Diamonds to compete in pre-season tournament

AFC Rushden & Diamonds will compete in the Harry Robinson Cup this year as part of their preparations for the 2021/22 season.

The tournament, organised by Kempston Rovers, will see them joined by Diamonds, Cambridge City and Eynesbury Rovers for a round robin phase before a finals day at Kempston in July.

Harry Robinson was born in Kempston and served in the Royal Navy and, after the Second World War, he served on the committee at Rovers and went on to be the club’s secretary for 26 years.

He later held the role of president and was credited by the original historian of the club as the man who saved Kempston’s existence in the post-war period.

He donated the cup, asking that it was played for each year and was able to attend the first three times it was played for before he passed away in 1996 having suffered from multiple sclerosis.

The cup had previously been competed for between Kempston and an invited opponent in a one-off game but this year will see the four clubs play out a round robin group stage, culminating in a finals day at Kempston on July 17.

All profits from the finals day will be split equally between the four clubs to help off-set some of the income lost during the pandemic.

Harry Robinson Cup 2021 fixtures (tournament dates and spectator arrangements are subject to change)

Saturday, July 3

Kempston Rovers v Cambridge City, Eynesbury Rovers v AFC Rushden & Diamonds.

Tuesday, July 6

Kempston Rovers v AFC Rushden & Diamonds, Eynesbury Rovers v Cambridge City.

Saturday, July 10

Kempston Rovers v Eynesbury Rovers, AFC Rushden & Diamonds v Cambridge City.

Saturday, July 17

Finals day at Kempston Rovers.