Italian Cup nearing the end of group stage

With the best part of the preliminary rounds gone, there is still all to play for in the Italian Cup, the competition for Italian players only played under Cricket Max rules. The nine competing clubs are divided into three mini round robins on a regional basis:

In the northern group Champions and Cup holders Pianoro host Trentino on Sunday April 16th for the decider. Both teams having disposed of Bologna, Pianoro in an easier fashion (eight wickets) than the club from the Dolomites (nine runs), the Rastignano Oval will witness a repeat of the game that last September saw Trentino become the first and only side up to date to win at Pianoro's headquarters. Professor Parisi's boys did not have to wait much to gain revenge two weeks later in the final. However, Pianoro will not underestimate the side that was so near to completing the shocking signing of Daniel Vettori, whose father Renzo originates from Trento.

The central group has a repeat situation with traditional rivals Capannelle and Lazio scheduled for a showdown at the Hippodrome next Sunday after both beating Roma with the identical margin of eight wickets. Lazio's win was more convincing, Roma being forced to follow on and Lazio even reverting their batting order in the second innings. However, Capannelle's experience, their Cup record (eight wins in 11 tournaments) and home advantage could reverse the situation leading to a classical encounter.

Provided Maremma Grosseto do not miss their flight to Catania on Saturday morning, the Tuscan club should have no great trouble in making it to the final round robin on home territory on the Bank Holiday weekend of April 30th & May 1st. Maremma play Galatea on Saturday 15th and Murri the following day. The game between these two clubs having produced a landslide 190 run win for Murri, will be remembered for Alfio Scuderi's hat trick, something which even his namesake Joe would have been proud of.