21st February 2023
| Mallory Gray
By Steve Davies
The draw for the early rounds of the 2023 Senior Open-Age Welsh Cup has taken place.
77 entries were received for this year’s competition. These clubs have been placed into 4 Zones, 16 clubs in the North Zone, 20 clubs in each of the West & Central Zones, with 21 clubs in the East Zone.
The East (5), Central (4) and West (4) Zones requires a number of preliminary ties to be played. The full draw is now available at the Cricket Wales website, https://cricketwales.org.uk/welsh-cup
The draw has thrown up some interesting statistics and ties,
- 6 of the 10 SWPCL Divn clubs entered have been drawn out to play preliminary ties; Ynystawe CC v Neath CC being the tie that arguably takes the eye.
- Current holders Swansea CC commence their defence of the cup with a tasty tie v Llanelli CC.
- In the North Zone there are two blockbusting ties which see Colwyn Bay CC play host to local rivals Llandudno CC, whilst Brymbo CC are at home to Northop Hall CC. The recently reformed Bala CC have a trip to Denbigh CC.
- In the West Zone, last years SWCA new-comers and Divn 8 champions Swansea Warriers CC open their first ever Welsh Cup experience, with a 3 mile journey along the coast against Mumbles CC. Another intriguing tie pits Dunvant CC with near neighbours Gorseinon CC
- The Central Zone sees Maesteg Town CC hosting Wales Over 50s on their return from the World Cup in Cape Town during March. Penarth CC will host the winners of Bridgend CC or Sully Spartens CC, whilst there is an all SWPCL Divn 2 clash between Pentyrch CC & Cowbridge CC
- It’s the East Zone that throws up the essence of a great cup competition with 3 ‘David v Goliath’ ties, as the 3 Premier League clubs Cardiff CC, St Fagans CC & Newport CC host Hopkinstown CC, Whitchurch Heath CC & Blaina CC
Senior Welsh Cup Final 2023 – 3rd Sept
This year’s Final is scheduled for Sunday 3rd September, with an amazing 28 Clubs having offered to host this prestigious event.
The Organising Committee are currently working their way through these offers against the list of associated criteria. We would hope to announce the award mid-March.
Round by round timetable -
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No. teams
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Round
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Date
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1st Reserve Sunday
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2nd Reserve Sunday
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3rd Reserve Sunday
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Absolute Deadline Date*
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64+
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Pre-lim
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30/04/2023
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07/05/2023
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n/a
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n/a
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11/05/2023
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64
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1st Round
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21/05/2023
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28/05/2023
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n/a
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01/06/2023
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14/05/2023
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32
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2nd Round
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04/06/2023
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11/06/2023
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n/a
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n/a
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15/06/2023
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16
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3rd Round
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18/06/2023
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25/06/2023
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02/07/2023
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n/a
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06/07/2023
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8
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Qtr Final
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09/07/2023
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16/07/2023
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23/07/2023
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30/07/2023
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04/08/2023
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4
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Semi Final
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06/08/2023
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13/08/2023
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20/08/2023
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27/08/2023
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31/08/2023
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2
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Final
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03/09/2023
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10/09/2023
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n/a
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n/a
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n/a
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NB: If BOTH Clubs are in agreement then a tie may be played AHEAD of its scheduled date
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Competition Rules & Queries
The Eligibility & Playing Rules sections are currently being reviewed. The amended version will be available by mid-March.
Should any club have any queries, please email [email protected] or contact Steve Davies on 07584 518069, for officials-related matters, contact WACO's Bob Szpadt at [email protected] or on 07974 386318