Women's London Cup: The Rivalry Between Middlesex and Surrey
The Women's London Cup is a high-stakes English cricket competition that pits two of the region's most prominent teams against one another. Played as a one-off Twenty20 (T20)—a shortened version of cricket featuring 20 overs per side—the tournament serves as a showcase of talent and local rivalry in the heart of England.
Originally known as the Pemberton Greenish Cup, the competition was conceived by Ebony Rainford-Brent, the Director of Women's Cricket at Surrey. Since its inception in 2015, the event has become a staple of the local sporting calendar, focusing exclusively on the clash between Middlesex and Surrey.
Key Facts
- Format: One-off Twenty20 match.
- Participating Teams: Middlesex and Surrey.
- Established: 2015.
- Most Successful Team: Middlesex (6 titles).
- Current Champion: Surrey (2024).
Tournament History and Evolution
The early years of the competition were dominated by Middlesex, who secured a commanding lead by winning the first five editions of the tournament. This initial streak established Middlesex as the early powerhouse of the London derby.
The tide began to turn in 2020 when Surrey claimed their first title at the sixth attempt. This victory broke the Middlesex streak and ignited a more competitive era for the cup. In 2021, Middlesex reclaimed the title, but Surrey responded in 2022 with a dominant performance at The Oval, winning by nine wickets.
While the 2023 edition was unfortunately abandoned due to rain, the rivalry resumed in 2024, with Surrey emerging victorious to claim the title once again.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | England |
| Match Format | Twenty20 (T20) |
| Frequency | Annual (One-off match) |
| Most Titles | Middlesex (6) |
| Recent Winner | Surrey (2024) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Women's London Cup?
It is an annual English cricket competition played as a single Twenty20 match between the Middlesex and Surrey women's teams.
Who founded the competition?
The tournament was conceived by Ebony Rainford-Brent, who serves as Surrey's Director of Women's Cricket.
Which team has won the most titles?
Middlesex is the most successful team in the competition's history, having won 6 titles.
Was the tournament played every year?
Almost every year since 2015, although the 2023 edition had to be abandoned due to rain.
What was the competition previously called?
The tournament was previously known as the Pemberton Greenish Cup.