Both teams look for 2/2
The end of the school holidays means that three of the Rams teachers (Beaumont, Darlow and White) are missing and in addition new man Nikhil Gorantla is back at university, resulting in the loss of last week’s embarrassment of riches. This means instant recalls for opener Yousuf Choudhary, after his stunning century last week, and first team regular Ben Clilverd. After last week where we had Henry Wilson and Gorantla making debuts, we have another couple of first team debutants this week. Both Alex James and Tarun Mouli get their first opportunities in EAPL cricket after making second team debuts last week. Mouli who has impressed in both the nets and in last week’s match is a left arm spinner which will soften the blow of not having Darlow or Beaumont.
The first team have their first trip of the season and journey to Barton Turf to meet the 2024 EAPL new kids on the block AB Wanderers. The Norfolk outfit would have been delighted with their debut season and will no doubt be looking to build on it. The contest at Spicers last year was that incredible game that finished with the scores level after a game shortened by rain. The Rams have happy memories of their trips to Barton Turf, as they comfortably won the fifty over contest. This came after their first visit to the ground on the borders of the Norfolk Broads where the Rams secured the EAPL T20 title for the first time. The Rams will want to continue their magnificent run that stands at ten wins on the trot and sixteen unbeaten.
The home side lost their season opener at Bury going down by a mere eight runs. Last week’s scorecard showed a few familiar names but also a few debutants in keeper and opening bat Nathan Shaw, overseas batter Mitchell Van Buuren, all-rounder Jacob Lintott and opening bowler Matt Buttery (who may or may not be a bit slippery!). The latter seems to be a local recruit from Acle.
Elsewhere the game of the day sees Copdock at home to Bury who were both winners last week. Horsford visit Witham in the hope of keeping their unbeaten record. EAPL ‘royalty’ Swardeston will want to get off the mark against Sudbury, themselves, who will want to build on last week’s surprise win at Mildenhall. Mildenhall will want to get underway but face a tricky trip to unbeaten newboys Downham Stow. Finally the unpredictable pair of Frinton and Gt. Witchingham meet on the Essex coast.
The second team after their stunning ten wicket victory at Wisbech have to ring the changes for the contest at home to ex-EAPL side Saffron Walden. Skipper Dan Heath has a couple of players making returning debuts, as Matt Ellis and Mervyn Shaji return to action after a few seasons away. Joe Latham and Henry Cotton make seasonal debuts and Shazil Dehllon makes a full debut. Incredibly only Miguel Machado, Sean Ward and Jake Raven remain from last year’s Cambs and Hunts Premier league side.
The make-up of the sides is encouraging, especially in the long term, as there is a load of players who have shown the desire to step up and play for a higher ranked side in the Club.
Saturday’s opponents Saffron Walden endured a miserable time last week as they suffered a heavy defeat to Premier league newboys Upwood. The Crocus are clearly in a transition phase as they look to rebuild following the loss of the vast majority of their 2024 first team squad and their overseas players.