Following news that 2018 will be the final season of the Carter Cup being played, David Freezer takes a look at some of the reaction to Norfolk's premier Sunday knockout cup competition coming to an end.
The final season of the Bob Carter Cup begins this Sunday, hot on the heels of the news that the Sunday knockout competition will not continue past its 50th campaign.
The Carter Cup committee revealed that 2018 will be the last season earlier this week, with the traditional 60-over competition already reduced to 50 overs to mark its 50th year.
MORE: 50 and out! Carter Cup to finish following 2018 final
That followed consultation with the local cricket community to establish whether there was still a need for the competition in the modern game. Ahead of the first round, here is some of the reaction to that news on Twitter...
Swardeston CC (@SwardestonCC)
We have loved playing every minute in the Bob Carter Cup, it has been a real favourite for Swardeston players and supporters over the years. We owe RG Carter Construction a huge debt of gratitude for such fantastic support over those 50 years.
Vauxhall Mallards CC (@MallardsCric)
We have really enjoyed being part of this competition. Thanks to RG Carter and everyone involved.
Chris Carey (@ChrisCarey1973)
So sad to hear the Carter Cup is ending. Was always the county's premier Sunday competition & served up some amazing matches over the years. Some great memories from the last 30 years, but a Lakenham Final has to take some beating. Thanks to all in the Carter family & organisers.
Stuart Shearing (@StuartShearing1)
The Carter Cup final at Lakenham was the career 'highlight' for many Norfolk club cricketers. Always a fantastic game to play in , and a great social day out for spectators. Sad news.
Fakenham CC (@FakenhamCricket)
Very sad to see such a great competition coming to an end. We've always enjoyed playing in the Carter Cup, brings huge interest and large crowds. Will always be a proud part of our history lifting the cup for the one and only time in 2010.
Steven Pearce (@pearciencfc)
Sad news. The Carter Cup was always the 'FA Cup' of Norfolk cricket. Having played in it many times it was always a slight regret to have only got as far as the semi finals. As part of the management committee for three years this outcome, unfortunately, always looked likely.
Simon Green (@simoncity)
Sad. Premier cup competition will always have a special place in my heart. The first game I ever watched was the Ingham v Swardeston semi of 76. The final at Lakenham (never the same after) was not only the highlight of the cricketing summer but the social calendar too. I'll miss it.
Wayne Kercher (@norfolkhalo)
Sad news. I will always be thankful for being given the honour of standing in in the 2016 final.
Robert Purton (@purts149)
Some brilliant memories especially from my time as a Duck!!
Matthew Seager (@seags14)
A great competition that will be sorely missed! To this day, the 2002 Carter Cup Final is the best cricketing day of my life.
Steve Goldsmith (@RedMistCricket)
Great memories, finals won and lost, great performances, huge atmosphere. Thanks R.G. Carter for 50 years of support!
Lowestoft Town CC (@LowestoftTownCC)
Whilst we no longer play in this competition we are proud to have won it four times, including probably the biggest shock in a final in 1991.
Simon T Ball (@StatEmeritus)
Very sad news indeed. Another much loved cricketing tradition bites the dust. Loved every one of my games in such a special competition and fortunate enough to have scored in as many as five finals. Thanks to Carters for their support and all those involved in its organisation.
Pete Free (@Allrounder6)
CC Sunday mornings... the nerves... the adrenaline... the lunches... 60-over cricket... absolutely loved every minute of it. Lucky to have played a few finals too... there was nothing like it! Thanks for the memories!!
Justin Edwards (@justin_edwards8)
Carter Cup Sundays always felt more special. My record was pretty ordinary but I loved the format with lunch and teas even if it meant I had to bowl a few more overs! #timeschange
FIXTURES
Carter Cup first round – Sunday, April 29: Brooke v Sprowston, Vauxhall Mallards v Old Bucks, Acle v Horsford, Mattishall v Martham, Swardeston v Cromer, Downham Tn v Bradfield, Fakenham v Norwich, North Runcton v Gt Witchingham
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