Lydia Greenway opens the 2024 Voneus Village Cup season at Cropredy Cricket Club

The 2024 Voneus Village Cup season opened at the weekend as England World Cup and Ashes Winner Lydia Greenway OBE hosted a junior masterclass at Cropredy Cricket Club.

Lydia returns for a second year as the Voneus Village Cup ambassador and continues to champion the importance of grassroots cricket and the special role it plays in bringing rural communities together.

Despite the wet weather postponing Cropredy’s first round match against Oxford Downs, it certainly did not dampen the excitement of the juniors and parents alike. Lydia started the day with an exclusive Q&A session followed by some very intense games of changing room cricket. Not a bat, bag or book left the club without Lydia’s autograph on it.

Greenway said: “I had an amazing time at Cropredy despite the weather, and especially enjoyed having a few games of changing room cricket.

“Clubs like Cropredy are what make the Voneus Village Cup such a special tournament, and I’m excited the 2024 competition is now underway.”

Cropredy chairman Pete Cooling said: “Cropredy Cricket Club had a wonderful morning with the Voneus team, Ian Smith from The Cricketer and Lydia Greenway.

“Due to inclement weather, the planned game in the afternoon was postponed, and the outdoor masterclass with Lydia was moved indoors.

“However, the rain did nothing to dampen the spirits of our colts section, parents, and club members who enjoyed listening to Lydia, asking questions, and discovering the exciting game of changing room cricket, which has now become a new favourite.

“This memorable day will be talked about for years to come, and will surely be a cherished memory for Cropredy Cricket Club.

“We extend a big thank you to Voneus for this opportunity and eagerly anticipate the upcoming competition along with some sunshine.”