Lord’s Cricket Ground set to stage 2023 Village Cup final

Children from across London can watch cricket at Lord’s for free this weekend when the final of Voneus Village Cup comes to the Home of Cricket on Sunday.

West Midland’s Milford Hall and Kent’s Leeds & Broomfield go head-to-head as they stake their claim to be the best village team in the country by winning the final of the 52nd Village Cup.

The competition, set up by The Cricketer Magazine in 1972, sees over 300 villages from across the country battle it out for the chance to play at the Home of Cricket where village cricketers get to follow in the footsteps of some of the world’s greatest ever players by dining in, and walking through, the world-famous Long Room on their way out onto the pitch to play. 

Both teams will be searching for their first taste of Village Cup glory and Milford Hall will be hoping to be the first team to bring the trophy back to the West Midlands with Leeds & Broomfield wanting to be the first team since Linton Park in 1999 to bring it to Kent.

Former England international and MCC member Mike Gatting said: “The Village Cup captures the essence of what our game is all about and it’s fantastic to see villages and clubs fighting for the chance to play at Lord’s.

“It’s vital that MCC supports the grassroots game and gives players at all levels from across the country the opportunity to play at and experience the Home of Cricket.”

The match, which is 40 overs per side, will start at 11am, with gates opening at 10am.

Alongside the cricket there is also a steel band performance, village fete, food stands and a family atmosphere for all to enjoy.

Tickets cost £15 for adults and £5 for over-65s, while under-16s can watch the match for free. Spectators who are under-14 must be accompanied by an adult.

MCC and Middlesex members will be admitted for free on production of their 2023 membership pass.

For more information and to purchase tickets head to lords.org.