St Albans sent a team to the annual Mud Cup pre-season competition in Blenheim for a 3rd year in a row. The competition was extended from 4 to 5 teams this year, with 4 Christchurch clubs plus the host association Marlborough. We made it through 3 round robin games across the Friday and Saturday (including a bye) before Sunday morning's final round.
An opening win against Sydenham promised much, but this was followed by defeats to Heathcote and the hosts. On the final day Burnside West University made 122 in their 20 overs before play was called off due to rain. Burnside secured the Mud Cup title having been unbeaten in their 3 completed games, while Saints finished 4th, ahead of the winless Sydenham.
The final match was a preview for for the opening weekend of the Christchurch club season, with the 2 sides facing off in both the Premiership and Championship grades. The 2-day competition kicks off with Timed games, a format last seen in the Championship grade in 2016/17.
