3s claim a vital win!

For the second week running Sawston and Babraham Third eleven, sitting third in Division 3s, faced the side who at the start of the day was leading the league table. This time the Rams faced Thriplow II’s who had won four and of their last five matches to go top. Sawston although third had two games in hand of their rivals and second placed Fen Ditton, whom they had defeated last week. The Babraham volunteer groundstaff had worked overtime to get the game on and with an uncertain forecast and overhead cloud the Sawston skipper, Jake Ellis, had no hesitation in bowling first on winning the toss.

This decision was rewarded as opening bowler Tom Champness picked up season best figures of 5-9. He received excellent support from Sean Jenkins, back from 2nd team duties, as he bowled his eight overs for a miserly eleven runs. Dom Cameron who shared the new ball picked up 2-40, and Jon Windsor 1-27 before teenager Joe Latham 2-13 closed out the innings for 134 in 39 overs. For Thriplow Chris Ramsey scored 61 (from 84 balls) as his teammates struggled in the bowler friendly conditions.

In reply the Rams lost the normally prolific Jenkins with just three on the board. Wes Potschul (30) continued his fine form forward as he took the score to 59 with Sumit Siddharth. ‘Sid’ then added 70 with Nick Griggs (31 from 34) before seeing his side home for a six wicket win scoring 59 not out (from 76 balls) as the Rams went top of the league with a win in 31 overs. Vijay Gorantla picked up 2-20 and there was a wicket apiece for Sam Woods and Chris Fowell. The win takes the Rams three points ahead of Thriplow, still with two games in hand, and twelve ahead of Fen Ditton from one game fewer.

On Saturday Sawston and Babraham 1st XI travelled to Swardeston but in common with almost all the EAPL games they were thwarted by the rain. There were just 14 overs bowled with the hosts on 44 for 2 when the heavens opened for the final time. James Vandepeer had picked up two wickets including a full-length diving catch from Waqas Hussain. The seven points each probably suiting the Rams more than their hosts but their lead at the top of the table was reduced as Gt. Witchingham won a tight match at Bury in the only completed contest (30 overs a side).