The Rams rally again…………

Sawston and Babraham made it ten consecutive league wins and six from six this season when they defeated hosts Horsford by five wickets.

The hosts won the toss and in the first longer format match of the season decided to bat, yes, white clothing and a red ball were back, not to mention lunch and tea! Cricketing heaven for the traditionalists. Horsford got of to a secure, if steady, start and progressed to 32 for no wicket in fourteen overs. The introduction of Ben Clilverd (5-35), who had had a quiet couple of week’s after his impressive start to the season, changed the picture completely. He picked up 4-6 as Horsford lurched to 43-5. Clilverd picking up both openers Ethan Metcalf (14) and Jason Reynolds (18), and adding John Ratledge (0) and skipper Neil Hornbuckle (4) for good measure.

At the other end Peter Hatzoglou had William Bryan (5) caught down the legside by Heath. Once again the Rams fielding shone with Callum Guest plucking one out of the air at extra cover and 2 good catches by Heath behind the stumps. Clilverd then picked up his fifth when he dismissed Will Rogers (15). The hosts with Charlie Grisley (19) and Simon Chipperfield (37) then counter attacked just before lunch taking Hatzouglou for a couple of nine runs per over and Clilverd for fourteen in another. They reached lunch at 104 for 6.

Tim Moses then got in on the act straight after the break (1-19) when he removed Grisley. Chipperfield continued to score at a run a ball and added twenty-six runs with Ryan Findlay (21). The Aussie spinner (4-41) then turned the screw as he removed the tail as 130 for 7 became 143 all out. Game over then, well not quite.

With the Rams missing five players the batting line up looked a little lean. Even the most ardent Sawston and Babraham supporter must have been worried as they slipped to 41 for 4, as Charlie Lewis, the consistent Guest (14), the returning Luke Spears (5) and Ben Clilverd (9) were all out. The Metcalfe’s Callum (3-36) and Ethan (1-25) doing the damage.

However, the Rams dug deep and Skipper Dan Heath (34), promoted to number four, steadied the ship as he and Moses added 65 for the fifth wicket. Heath out to Peter Minns (1-13) on the stroke of tea. Moses usually a dynamic and powerful striker (45 not our from 82 balls) showed his ability to play a more patient game as he and Hatzoglou (21 not out) knocked off the runs to take the Rams to another victory.

Elsewhere Mildenhall continue to be amongst the favourites for then title as they demolished, now bottom side Saffron Walden. Frinton moving ahead of their Essex rivals as they won at Sudbury. Witham, like most newly promoted sides paid the price for their bravery as they lost Copdock, as they bowled six extra overs! Bury we unable to force a win in a game they dominated against Great Witchingham. Swardeston had the week off.