1st XI back in action!

SBCC 1st XI get back in action after their week off. They find themselves in the unusual position of being second in the EAPL, albeit in the words of the great Kiwi commentator, Ian Smith, by the ‘barest of margins’. They face EAPL giants Swardeston, and although the seven time champions are languishing near the bottom of the table the Rams will still be wary of a side of such pedigree. It is doubtful that the Norfolk side will be as weak as they were for the first game of the season when a wedding decimated their side.

They quickly got over their mauling at the hands of Horsford by demolishing Frinton but were heavily beaten by new leaders Mildenhall last weekend. The Rams will be hoping to repeat last year’s victory at Spicers, to get them back to winning ways after two draws and a defeat.

Looking at the stats it could turn out to be a battle of the leggies with our own Peter Hatzoglou with 21 league wickets currently trailing Swardeston (and ex-March) Saranga Rajaguru by four. The Rams will be looking for more runs from the uber-consistent Callum Guest and will want more from the middle order. Injuries and school commitments mean that the Rams are without three key bowlers in Vandepeer, Moses and Darlow. The Rams will also be hoping for a Copdock win or a draw when leaders Mildenhall visit their Suffolk neighbours in what looks like the tie of the round.

The Rams second-string are again on the road, this time with the shortest of journeys to their Saffron Walden counterparts. Both sides will be looking to build on last week’s good wins; and looking for greater consistency in team availability and performances. Chris Dixon will be wanting to increase his lead as the league’s top wicket taker, although the Rams will certainly miss the experienced Steven Atherton on what is likely to be a bit of a road. Looking at the other fixtures the Rams will probably need a victory to keep in touch with Blunham and Castor.

The third XI must cross the river to meet local rivals Whittlesford. The Rams will be hoping to build on last week’s fantastic win and to keep the hosts’ miserable run going. A local derby and local pride however will mean that Whitzer will be determined to reverse their fortunes.

The Rams will be wary of ex-Ram Kumar Venigalla when they meet at the Lawn. With last week’s stunning win at second placed Northstowe still fresh in the opposition’s memory, it may not be great timing for the reverse fixture at Babraham. However, any side that can chase down 250+ should not fear anyone.