The Eastern County Cricket Association has moved early to heighten the anticipation for the 2026 season, confirming that this year’s historic series will be staged at the iconic Lord’s in St. David’s. The announcement sets the stage for what many are predicting to be a defining summer in the competition's long and storied history, as the balance of power in the East End remains on a knife-edge.
Over the last decade, the race for the silverware has been a tale of two titans. Since 2016, through a mixture of outright victories, gritty retentions, and hard-fought draws, St. David’s and Bailey’s Bay have dominated the landscape. The two heavyweights currently sit level with four series victories apiece over that ten-year span, creating a statistical deadlock that adds an extra layer of intensity to the 2026 campaign.
However, the current narrative belongs to Cleveland County. The reigning cup holders enter the series as the team with the target on their backs, having successfully navigated the treacherous waters of the 2025 season. Their mission is simple yet formidable: repel the advances of the traditional powerhouses who are desperate to return the trophy to their respective clubhouses.
The road to glory begins on Saturday, July 18th, when Cleveland County face a massive opening test against Bailey's Bay. The challenger will be looking to leverage their historical success to unseat the champions at the first time of asking. The winner of that blockbuster opening clash will then return to the crease on Saturday, August 15th to take on Flatt's Victoria, a side famously capable of upsetting the established order.
The grand finale is scheduled for Saturday, August 29th, where the winner of the second round will meet the hosts, St. David's. With the home crowd behind them and the chance to pull ahead of Bailey’s Bay in the ten-year standings, the Warriors will be eyeing a historic conclusion to the summer. As the community prepares for the unique atmosphere of Eastern County cricket, all eyes remain on Cleveland to see if they can weather the storm and extend their reign at the top.
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