THE JEP Cup Final has been set – Beeches Old Boys will face Old Victorians after two blockbuster semi-finals on Tuesday evening.
The final is scheduled to take place at the National Cricket Centre at Grainville from 6pm on Friday June 26.
Beeches O.B. pulled off a remarkable chase to down International Royals, while the OVs defended brilliantly under pressure from Aztec St John Spitfires.
With defending champions Trafalgar Pirates knocked out early, the time was ripe for a new winner.
Beeches O.B. v International Royals
The 2025 runners up International Royals batted first on Tuesday evening at FB Fields, recovering from an early wobble to post a formidable total.
Both openers Sumit Kumar (1) and Vishal Sancheti (7) were dismissed cheaply.
But through a combination of Abhishek Hongekar (right) (57), Georon Claasen (53 not out) and Nehal Naik (26 not out), they finished their 15 overs on 170 for 5.
Adam Bradbury and Jack Kemp both picked up two wickets each, Paul Kemp grabbing the other, but the economy rates across the board were high in an impressive batting display.
In reply, young star Jack Kemp (22) got Beeches off to a fast start, but it was his opening partner James Smith who stole the show.
Combining well with Armand Fourie, the pair smashed 103 runs for the second wicket.
Fourie passed his half century from just 24 balls before dismissed for an excellent 51, but Smith would carry his bat, finishing on a stunning 87 not out from 43 balls, including 8 fours and 4 sixes.
The chase was complete with a full over to spare to book the first spot in the final.
To see the full scorecard, clink the link – https://jerseycricketcomps.play-cricket.com/website/results/7577467
Old Victorians v Aztec St John Spitfires
The second semi-final saw Old Victorians bat first against a strong Aztec St John Spitfires side.
However, the brutal OVs opening partnership of international stars Patrick Gouge and Charlie Brennan would make any bowler nervous.
They started well, Brennan the more aggressive early, but he would fall for a breezy 20.
Gouge on the other hand continued his remarkable form with another half century, top scoring with 55 from 27 deliveries before being caught off island captain Chuggy Perchard’s canny bowling.
Jonny Heward (19), Ed Giles (22) and young James Wiseman (13 not out) all contributed throughout, OVs closing their 15 overs with a solid score of 142 for 5.
Fergus Gibson starred with the ball picking up 2 for 13 from his two overs, with Matt Allen also economically impressive.
In reply, Aztec’s powerful opening combo failed to fire on this occasion.
The Walkovers Premier duo Jacques Van Der Walt and Drew Sylvester both dismissed early for just 1 and 11 respectively.
Perchard also followed early for a two-ball duck, but it was Tiaan Kruger (below) who flexed his muscles. Carrying the innings on his broad shoulders, he smashed 7 sixes and 4 fours on his way to an impressive 89 from just 43 deliveries.
He would fall however, caught by Mikey Pih off the bowling of Theo Pullman – Aztec still requiring 17 runs to win.
Ed Giles took the ball for the final over and closed the game out, Gibson and Allen unable to get them over the line.
The OVs took a collective sigh of relief as they sealed the second final spot by just 8 runs.
To see the full scorecard, clink the link – https://jerseycricketcomps.play-cricket.com/website/results/7713327
