Historic clash in Julian Cup final

Old sparring partners Boyne Hill and Maidenhead & Bray will lock horns on Tuesday in the first ‘all Maidenhead’ Julian Cup final in 22 years.

The 1986 clash, between the same two clubs, was won by Bray by 16 runs.

That was the sixth time Bray lifted the cup in 11 years - and they have not won it since.

The closest they have got since those days last year when they went down to Burnham.

The Hill’s golden era was between 1990 and 1996 when they hoisted the trophy five times.

They have not reached a final since losing the 1997 showpiece, also against Burnham.

So the historical aspect of this final  should set it up as an intriguing encounter, but the clubs themselves are looking forward not back.

Both are chasing league promotion - Bray are second in Thames Valley League Division 2A, while the Hill are top of 2B - and both will be keen to use victory in the Julian Cup final as a springboard for  future league and cup successes.

Picking a winner between the two in-form teams in the area is a minefield.

Boyne Hill have a team which have inched out Mayor’s XI, North Maidenhead and Pinkneys Green in the previous rounds, and they have home advantage.

Bray overcame Desborough School, Burnham and Wooburn Narkovians, and reached last year’s final.

But with the Hill missing a couple of players, including key wicket-taker Martin Preston, my money is on Bray to win by a whisker.

On Monday the final of the colts event will take place at North Maidenhead Cricket Club between Binfield and Cookham Dean.