Old Cliftonian Cricketers Charge into Cup Semi-Finals

17 July 2025

The Old Cliftonian cricket team has officially secured a spot in the semi-finals of the prestigious Cricketer Cup competition! This achievement marks the first time the OCs have reached this stage since 1997, building hopes for a repeat of their triumphant 1993 campaign.

The OCs will face Bedford School away on Sunday 27th July. The team is calling on all Old Cliftonians, pupils, parents, and supporters to come out in force and create a formidable “away crowd” to cheer them on.

The memorable 1993 final saw the OCs post a dominant 304 for 4 against Old Tonbridgians at Vincent Square, Westminster. J.L.P. Meadows was the star with an incredible 144 runs, ably supported by W.M. Lawry’s 106. Old Tonbridgians were eventually bowled out for 229, giving the OCs a resounding 75-run victory, with A.M. Fine taking an impressive 6 for 46.

The current squad features a direct link to that historic win. Ollie Meadows (ET 2021), a key player in the present team, is the son of John Meadows (ET 1987), who was a pivotal figure in the 1993 championship side. Also continuing the family legacy are Sam (NT 2023) and Jamie Brooks (NT 2025), sons of Jem Brooks (NT 1981), another member of the 1993 winning team.

The OCs’ path to the semi-finals was paved with a superb performance against Cranleigh in the quarter-finals, where they recorded their first-ever win against the school. This fixture was the 105th for the OCs in the competition, marking their 49th win overall.

Key statistics from the thrilling quarter-final clash include:

  • It was the fourth highest score conceded by Cranleigh at home.
  • The OCs achieved their twelfth all-time highest score in the competition.
  • Louie Shaw (NT 2017) delivered the third all-time best bowling figures for OCs in the competition and now ranks 16th in all-time wicket-takers.
  • Ben Figueiredo (ST 2010) has moved to second for OCs in all-time games captained.
  • Ollie Meadows (ET 2021) has solidified his position as 4th for OCs in highest number of runs scored in the competition without a century and 12th in all-time runs scored for OCs.

The upcoming semi-final against Bedford will be the first-ever game against them for the Old Cliftonians in the Cricketer Cup. This adds an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

The Old Cliftonian cricket team is building significant momentum, and with the support of the entire Clifton community, they are aiming to make this another memorable year in the Cricketer Cup. Good luck to the OCs!

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