25 Cup Match Cricket Classic Facts

In the late 1880’s it was a common practice to hold a cricket match during the Emancipation Day celebrations. The informal game grew into the official Cup Match Classic that we know today. Below follows 25 facts about the Classic:

• The first formal game was played on June 12,1902 and St. George’s won by 7 wickets

• The first draw was in 1907

• The last four years [2010/2009/2009/2007] ended in in a draw

• The first year the match was played at St. George’s Cricket Club was 1921

• The last time Somerset won was in 2002, when they won by 6 wickets

• First Game at the Somerset Cricket Club venue was in 1949

• The 2009 MVP was Janeiro Tucker from Somerset, 2010 was Deunte Darrell also from Somerset.

• Fans were not charged admission until the mid 1920s, This year it was $20, $15 in advance online.

• The Games First Duck: William Bassett of Somerset in 1902

• Youngest players: Tre Govia for St. George’s in 2008, and Joshua Gilbert for Somerset  in 2009 – both aged 15.

• Longest Cup Match Career: Alec Steede 1922 – 1951

• Most Successful Captain: St. George’s Calvin Symonds won eight and drew one (1961 – 1969)

• Best Bowling Performance: Clarence Parfitt claimed 9-47 in 1976

• Wicket on the First Ball: In the 1953 Cup Match Kenneth Smith from St. George’s had Wilfred Wilson caught by Calvin Symonds

• Six on the First Ball: In the 2002 Cup Match Glenn Blakeney from St. George’s hit Corey Hill up against the Somerset Cricket Club

• Most Centuries: Clay Smith St. George’s has scored 3 centuries

• Biggest Win: In 1926 St. George’s Won by an Innings and 65 runs

• Narrowest Win: Somerset won by 10 runs in 1924

• Lowest Score: Somerset scored 24 runs in 1902

• Most Consecutive Wins: 6 from both Somerset (1914 – 1919) and  St. George’s (1964 – 1969)

• Longest Reign as Cup Holders: 19 Years St. George’s (1960 – 1979)

• Highest Individual Score: 186 Runs – Janeiro Tucker

• Janeiro Tucker also has the 10th highest individual score with 126

• Most wickets: 115 from Clarence Parfitt for St. George’s [1965-1981] 115

• Most Catches: 25 from Charlie Marshall from St. George’s (1980-2009)

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