Football
Centenary celebrations for Evesham Hospital Cup

Buy photos » The late Don Fryer, who did so much to help the Evesham Hospital Cup reach its 100th anniversary. (s)

THE EVESHAM Hospital Cup is this year celebrating its 100th anniversary and four finals are taking place this month to mark the milestone year.

The first final for the Evesham Hospital Cup was played on the Crown Meadow in Evesham in 1912 and was won by Badsey Rangers in front of a crowd of more than 2,000 people.

The cup was contested to raise funds for Evesham Cottage Hospital and was regarded as the most coveted trophy in the district, with the first three finals being watched by a total of over 7,000 spectators.

In the early years Badsey Rangers, Evesham and Bretforton were regular winners and, after Littleton enjoyed their first win in 1932, they have gone on to win some 17 times!

Peter Jelfs, Evesham Hospital Cup secretary, said: "I would like to take this opportunity to give a big thank you to the late Honorary Secretary Mr Don Fryer who at the age of 85 had organised the Evesham Hospital Cup for some 43 years and also many thanks to all the other long-serving officers who have helped the competition reach its centenary.

"I would also like to thank the local clubs for putting on our finals, especially Evesham United and Littleton FC.

"With their help we have raised funds, not only for the Evesham Hospital but also for many other various local charities.

"Our main charity we have donated to over the last seven years is the County Air Ambulance.

"Don was determined for the cup to reach this centenary and I am delighted to have helped ensure it has.

"We now hope for some excellent finals to enjoy to celebrate the occasion in style."

This year's finals are as follows: Saturday Minor Cup (Friday, May 11, 6pm, Littleton FC) - Bretforton Old Boys v Droitwich Spa Reserves; Sunday Junior Cup (Sunday, May 13, 6pm, Littleton FC) - Red Horse v Black Bear; Saturday Junior Cup (Saturday, May 19, 3pm, Littleton FC) - Littleton FC v Bromsgrove Sporting; Sunday Minor Cup, 'The Barry Bostock Cup' (Sunday, May 20, 6pm, Broadway United FC) - WMK FC v Bredon FC.

All proceeds given to County Air Ambulance.

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