Can anybody notch a hat-trick……
No, I’m not talking about Manc-chester City or even Haaland! The Rams seek to set a new personal best in the EAPL when, I think, they attempt to win three long format games on the trot when they visit Frinton.
Last year Sawston could only return from the seaside with a draw, but things could have been worse! They were bowled out comparatively cheaply leaving their hosts sixty-four overs to knock off 229. They travel to Frinton with confidence following three successive solid displays in league and cup. They are also boosted by the return to league duty by Louis Kimber, who was very impressive in last week’s cup win, and Luke Spears returns after a holiday. An almost full strength squad making it a difficult selection meeting this week!
With a few batsmen away from second team action due to the wedding of former first team skipper, Liam Flynn, it was necessary to balance out selection to maximise the chances for both the senior sides. Charlie Lewis can count himself very unlucky to miss out but second team skipper Ant Phillips will be delighted to see him.
Frinton have only one win to their name so far this term but that was the scalp of current leaders Mildenhall, this underlines the current topsy-turvy nature of the league and highlights the danger of any complacency. Two of their defeats have been narrow losses. The EAPL rumour mill however suggest that they may have just lost former skipper and very useful all-rounder Blaine Bannister. Elsewhere Copdock (@Horsford) and Swardeston (@ Wisbech) are also looking for three in a row. Witchingham will want to build on last week’s win when they visit Sudbury. Walden will be looking towards cementing a top two position with a win at Witham. Perhaps the game of day pits third placed Bury against new leaders Mildenhall, the Bury ranks also include former Mildenhall players Rash and Cruickshank.
The Rams second team will be without last week’s centurion and half centurion as Matthew Hague and Marc Pearson are on wedding duty when they entertain Ufford Park. In a recurring theme they are also chasing a hat-trick of ‘W’s’! As mentioned above Ant Phillips will be grateful to have Charlie Lewis down from the firsts in order to maintain the challenge at the top of the division. Oliver Borley makes his seasonal debut following injury and a return to action in midweek! The skipper may also be looking to Matt Worsdale to carry his spectacular midweek form with the bat into the weekend.
Ufford Park have made an uncertain start with comfortable defeats against St. Ives and Biggleswade but had a comfortable win against Godmanchester last week. Despite their lowly league position, they still possess a threat since they have a number of very experienced cricketers at the Whiting’s’ level. The thirds and fourths will want to avoid their own particular hat-tricks.
With resources again stretched skipper Jake Ellis again puts his faith in talented youngsters Vivaan Kilaru and Sam Ronco as they make the short visit to Little Shelford. The thirds start their Walker Cup T20 campaign with a tough looking tie at home to Barrington. The skipper must think it’s a mid-week game as in come Hague, O’Brien, Stanford, Borley and a ringer called Champness. Ellis may be the Prince of Horseheath but he’s sure to be called something else on Sunday!
The Rams fourth team will be looking to get off the mark when they ‘entertain’ Newport. Their line up is a closely guarded secret, even to some of the victims, err I mean players.