Anniversary triumph for Stoke Gabriel Cricket Club in Corinthian Cup

It was fitting that Stoke Gabriel finally got their hands on the county-wide Ivor Dewdney Corinthian Cup in this, their 50th anniversary year.

Sunday marked Stoke’s fifth consecutive appearance at the Corinthian Cup Finals Day, coming closest to winning the trophy in 2023 when they went down to Cullompton in the final by eight wickets.

Picturesque Cornwood Cricket Club was again the host on an overcast but warm day, which produced a few light showers alongside sunny periods.

Utilising Cornwood’s two adjacent pitches, the day mirrors the professional counties’ T20 Blast competition. Two semi-finals played out before a final on the main Oak Park square. All games in the competition played over 20 overs-per-side.

With four closely matched teams, it was always going to be a challenging and tough day, but Stoke Gabriel edged past Plymstock by seven runs in their semi, as Budleigh Salterton brushed aside Clyst St. George by nine wickets in theirs.

In the final, Budleigh elected to bat and got off to a flyer. Edward Doble (34) and Australian Luke Domaschenz (55) rapidly put on 84 for the first wicket inside seven overs. Stoke reigned them in steadily, and considering the start they had, were content with the final Budleigh total of 175-8. Two wickets each for Liam Mair, Adriaan Maxwell and Jake Robinson.

Having the competition’s two leading run scorers Justin Pringle and Abhishek Anand at the top of the order, Stoke naturally fancied their chances and also started well. An opening stand of 83 for the first wicket matched Budleigh. Anand (22) first out in the 8th over.

When Pringle fell for 54, from 42 balls (including 5 fours and 4 sixes) in the 13th over, Stoke needed an achievable 58 from the remaining 8 overs.

Skipper Jack Tolley was bowled for 9, but Adriaan Maxwell (30) and Michael Meech (34 not out) played measured innings, keeping the board ticking without losing many wickets. Stoke needed three to win from the last over with five wickets remaining.

Ryan Harris-Cotton’s first three balls were dot balls, allowing the tension to further build, before Meech struck the next ball for six to see Stoke home by five wickets with two balls to spare to the delight and relief of their travelling supporters.

As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, Stoke Gabriel take on Torquay United Football Club in a friendly cricket match this week. Gulls fans will hope this success will rub off on their players ahead of the opening league game on Saturday.

For Stoke Gabriel Cricket Club, it will be the ideal opportunity to celebrate, take stock and feel grateful for 50 glorious years of league, cup and social cricket surrounded by outstanding Devonshire countryside. The Corinthian Cup will now be the extra cherry atop the anniversary cake.