HOLDERS Bishopston (pictured) have been handed a first round draw against neighbours Bristol as the Stuart Canvas Gloucestershire Cup makes a welcome return to the cricket calendar after no games were able to be played last year because of the pandemic.
This match is due to take place on May 23 – just two weeks after Bishopston host their local rivals in a WEPL Premier Two Bristol & Somerset division encounter.
Premier One outfit Bedminster face an intriguing trip to Thornbury, of Premier Two Glos & Wilts, while Premier One powerhouse Cheltenham travel to Golden Hill who are in the (tier three) Bristol & North Somerset division.
The final of the county’s premier adult club competition will be played at the Bristol County Ground.
A total of 20 clubs, meanwhile, have entered the Stuart Canvas Gloucestershire Trophy, including holders Charlton Kings who have a bye into the second round.
Steve Silk, the GCB’s chief executive, said: “We’re delighted to welcome back the county cup and trophy competitions after a year away.
“There has been tremendous interest from clubs in both events and we wish everyone the very best of luck.
“We would also like to thank our sponsors, Stuart Canvas, for their continued support of our premier adult club competitions and congratulate them on their 50th anniversary this year.”
Stuart Canvas Gloucestershire Cup – first round draw: Thornbury v Bedminster, Bishopston v Bristol, Golden Hill v Cheltenham, Gloucester v Hatherley & Reddings, Knowle v Painswick, Rockhampton v Stroud, Winterbourne v Bristol West Indian Phoenix, Stapleton v Frocester. Matches to be played May 23.
Stuart Canvas Gloucestershire Trophy – first round draw: Tewkesbury v Gloucester AIW Sports, Langford v Almondsbury, Bedminster II v Bohemians, Oaksey v Golden Hill II. Matches to be played April 25.
Byes: Bristol West Indian Phoenix II, Cam, Charlton Kings, Frampton-on-Severn, Frenchay II, Hanham, Hawkesbury Upton, Kingsholm, Pak Bristolians, Redmarley, Stroud II, Westbury-on-Severn.