Please, let’s avoid the need for last weekend heroics!
The EAPL new boys Downham got back to winning ways last week and despite losing momentum after a blistering start to their life in the ‘Prem’ they will probably be delighted to be sitting sixth and clear of any relegation play-off issues. They have a good all-round side with the Wilcox’s, Ben and Arthur leading the way with the bat; each scoring over six hundred runs. Their bowling is dangerous with both Brett Stolworthy and Sachindu Colombage in the top four wicket takers with over ninety wickets between them. Like most newly promoted teams they have enjoyed the limited over format more. In the fifty over contests their home form is stronger than on their travels with only AB Wanderers gaining a win at Stow Hall.
After a strange week of weather it is pleasing that the end of the week is looking more promising; I am fairly confident that we will not be greeted by a covering of snow that caused our pre-season friendly to be abandoned without a ball being bowled in 2024. That day was not entirely wasted as the first team squad got acquainted with the local pub and Angel and I ventured into Essex to watch the Bloods in an Essex Senior League football game. In the game that would be decisive for the Bloods over local rivals Stansted to get them into the promotion play off they eventually triumphed 10-9; no that wasn’t the score line but the number of players that remained on the pitch!
The Rams enjoyed a narrow two wicket win in the red ball game in June, at Spicers, thanks to half centuries from Nikhil Gorantla and Lee Thomason. The Rams will want to avoid a record breaking third successive loss. With three losses in this campaign they will want to avoid a four-loss season to match 2023 when it cost them the title. However, despite the dip in form and results they are still masters of their own destiny and a fourth title in five years would still be a monumental achievement. From a purely selfish point of view it would be nice to avoid another nerve racking, but non-the-less exciting and memorable, finale to last year’s campaign.
Elsewhere in the EAPL there are a couple of intriguing top versus bottom clashes. The Rams title rivals Copdock are back at home for a Suffolk derby against Mildenhall; the visitors will want to back up their excellent win last week. Third placed Witham will be looking to make it five on the trot but will be wary of ABW given their recent performances; the visitors however may be missing their overseas. Bottom side Frinton entertain mid table Bury and are probably the side most desperate for a win as they look to avoid six losses on the trot. Sudbury host Horsford still with outside chances of a top three finish. The final game is a Norfolk derby with Swardeston hosting Gt. Witchingham on The Common; a third successive defeat will have the Witches desperately looking at the other results.
The Rams second string are thankfully a little stronger this week; and Dan Heath returns to skipper the side after recovering from his head injury sustained playing football. They face St.Giles on Saturday who have a double header this weekend when they meet Old Leysians on Sunday. Apparently Old Leysians were allowed a free Saturday as they had a wedding; since we have had three weddings in our season perhaps we have missed a trick! The Rams will need to get back to winning ways after two successive defeats that followed those three wins on the bounce! A defeat for the Rams and a win for Old Leysians may put the Rams on the relegation trapdoor. St. Giles may have ex-Ram Martin Heginbotham returning to Spicers, but in common with most sides in this division their fortunes tend to be impacted by availabilities!
Old Leysians face Walden on Saturday and the Crocus will want to make home advantage count to get them back into the title race. Burwell who are top hosts Eaton Socon and Ramsey, in second, make the short trip to Upwood.
There is one more massive contest this week when the Rams take on the Bowls Club in the Annual Challenge Match 5.45pm start.