The season enters September - Tibbsy’s weekend preview 04/09

Sawston and Babraham Cricket Club managed to secure two titles last weekend but the ‘big’ one evaded our grasp.

We are in the fortunate position that we have two more chances to secure the title starting with a very tough game at Gt. Witchingham. Once gain this year we are breaking new ground with our first ever trip NW of Norwich. The Witches beat the Rams soundly in the timed match at Spicers earlier in the season but saw their title chances disappear when they also lost, narrowly to Copdock last week. They will be keen to avoid any further defeats as they fight for a top three place.

They possess the league’s second highest run scorer in Sam Arthurton (744 at 57) and he will look for support from fellow opener James Spelman (430 runs) and Yaseen Valli (373 runs). They have a well-balanced attack with Brett Stolworthy (39 wickets), Andy Hanby (37 wickets) and Peter Trewick (31 wickets) and so perhaps possess the most potent attack in the league.

The Rams and particularly their fans will be hoping that they can produced another stunning result and get the title sewn sparing everyone another nail-biting last game. Recent history seems to suggest that we enjoy a last game decider thinking back to the recent past and games against the Shells and Histon to secure Whiting titles.

Sawston skipper is pleased to name an almost unchanged side with Benji Benson in for the in-form Marc Pearson. The three Sawston seamers will again do battle to see who will be our leading wicket-taker and perhaps hoping to catch the leaders. With the bat Callum Guest (444 runs) will be looking for a hundred in the last two matches to overtake the long-term injured Matthew Hague. Waqas Hussain with 355 runs will be hoping to catch Valli and a few others and continue his better run of form and scores.

The Third team have their lap of honour with their final game at home to Lt. Shelford. They have defeated their nearest neighbours twice already, once in the league and once at finals day of the Lower Junior Cup. They will wary of another side that doesn’t have a first team game but their fate is already sealed as they will be unable to avoid relegation. Skipper Jake Ellis is again without his top two batters but the in-form trio of Potschul, Barker and Borley are all available. Dom Cameron regains his place and Jake Raven again boosts the bowling options with Torin Phelps leading the attack with Henry Butler.