It’s squeaky bum time……….. Tibbsy's Weekend Preview 14.08 - 15.08

With just five rounds of games left in the EAPL season The Rams still sit top of the league with what appears to be a battle-royal brewing as realistically you could pick any one of the top three to win it.

Mildenhall perhaps have an outside squeak but they would need to win all five games starting with an away win at Gt. Witchingham on Saturday, so we wish them well (if only for this weekend!). My only wish is that the title is settled on the pitch and not influenced by weather issues.

Sawston will be missing Callum Guest and Ethan Guest, through illness, Rishi Patel, Matthew Hague and Noah Thain through injury. Second team skipper Ben Benson gets his chance to hopefully carry forward his form from the Cambs and Hunts Premier as does Scott Stanford.

The Rams will be hoping that Bury’s run of three successive losses can continue. Bury perhaps could and should have ended that run last week when the game against Witchingham was there for the taking. The Rams will be hoping to continue their current hold over these opponents. However, they will need to be wary of a side that has defeated both Gt. Witchingham and Swardeston in the 50 over format this year.

Which Bury will turn up on Saturday? Cambridgeshire’s Ben Seabrook is their leading run scorer but even his league form has been modest by his Cambs 50 over form. They carry a threat with the ball from the likes of Josh Cantrell and Ali Allchin and are a genuine all-round team.

The seconds have another free week which means the third’s will have a free hand in selection. Unfortunately, a number of high-profile players are away, including last week’s five wicket man Tom Champness, but squad rotation still means a decent side is available. After two high pressure top of the table matches in the last fortnight they entertain lowly Royston. A potential banana skin awaits particularly as their opponents first team, from Senior 1, are not playing! The Rams will hope for a fifth consecutive win, in all competitions, and ensure their number of defeats remains at one!

In Division 55 West the Club have been busy trying to firm up sponsorship deals with Sanatagen, Boots, and Help the Aged. Poor Sam Ronco will feel that his Saturday has been taken over by a visit to the local old folks home. If we score half as many runs as the combined age of the side we may, only may, have enough to defend.

The Thirds also make their third consecutive appearance in the Lower Junior Cup Finals Day, on Sunday. Despite the competition rules making it more difficult, the third team have over performed and have made a strong defence of the title (they won it in 2019). They are first on at Burwell, 10 am start, against local rivals Lt. Shelford and would be pleased for any support. Given the circumstances they name an exciting side with a couple of surprise picks.