Pink ball returns!

The pink ball and pyjamas, sorry coloured clothing, return to Spicers on Saturday when the Rams entertain Horsford. The Norfolk side after a pre-season reset have done well this season and although currently fifth they are certainly in a position to push for a top three finish. The return of the pink ball and win-lose cricket can cause dramatic swings in league points and positions. Both sides will therefore be looking for full points.

Wicket-keeper batsman Jason Reynolds has led the run scoring but has been well supported by skipper Neil Hornbuckle and Ethan Metcalf. The latter two has also contributed significantly with the ball but it’s the other Metcalf, Callum, that sits at the top of the wickets chart. A Friday night FA Cup tie, and hopefully one step nearer Wembley, brings a welcome return to the squad for Charlie Lewis, and he is joined by the fit again, although this appears to be a temporary status this year, Luke Spears. Tim Moses and Callum McLean miss out this week.

The Rams will be looking to put last week’s disappointment behind them and start the final push of their title defence with just five games to go. Ben Clilverd will also start despite a broken little finger suffered in the Showcase game against Essex.

The Rams second team visit Castor and Ailsworth. The home side will be looking to avenge the defeat they suffered at Babraham earlier in the year. Sawston and Babraham will be looking for another stellar performance against the sides at the top. They have beaten three of the top four sides but lost to three of the bottom four! The Rams for once, given the Club’s issues to date with injury and availability, have almost an embarrassment of riches. Callum McLean gets his chance to impress, and is joined by the returning spinning ‘all-rounders’ Ant Phillips and Steven Atherton. They also give a debut to Matt Worsdale who has moved into the village from Cheshire. Castor have just dropped out of the top three and so will be looking for a victory to re-ignite their promotion push. Batters Mark Wheat and skipper Reece Smith feature in the top ten for the Division (Our own Ant Phillips is just ahead of Smith in 9th). On the bowling they have Connor Parnell and Stuart Dockerill in second and third in the division but they are at least ten wickets behind the Rams Chris Dixon.

The third team will again be looking to keep their promotion push going when they entertain Abington II’s. They will be looking to avoid a potential banana skin as Abington although on a losing streak inflicted an AP and extras assisted defeat in the reverse fixture. Skipper Jake Ellis who sits third in the race to be the division’s leading wicket taker is joined by his midweek spin partner Sam Ronco. The Rams will be looking to Wes Potschul to carry on scoring runs for fun and will be looking to Gareth Everson, the in-form Scott Barker and the returning Jas Metson to support the veteran opener.