Essendon footballers will be out to grab a cup of a different sort today when they take on the western Bulldogs in the opening round of the St John Cricket Cup.

The St John Cup is a knockout cricket competition that has been organised to raise money for St John Ambulance.

The Bombers opening match is at the Junction Oval and the game commenced at 3pm. Keep an eye on Bomberland for updated scores.

Each side will bat for 20 overs under the rules of the competitionand there will be three knockout rounds played.

The Grand Final will be held at the MCG on December 6th. A gold coin donation will be requested from all spectators attending the match with proceeds of the collection going to support First Aid volunteers of St John Ambulance.