It’s squeaky bum time…
No doubt the fixture compiler will want to take the credit for what promises to be an exciting last couple of weeks of the AVL EAPL 2026. However, before we get carried away with his ‘mystic’ powers we should remember that the top three, going into the penultimate week, have all finished in the top three in the last two years of the competition!
I am, I hope, not alone in being grateful that the cricket gods ‘shone’ last week to ensure that the title would be won or lost on the pitch.
There will be plenty of partisan and neutral supporters hoping that either Horsford or Copdock and Old Ipswichians can lift the title for the first time in their history. If we were not in the mix then I might have agreed!
However, unsurprisingly, I would like the Rams to make it three in a row; a feat only achieved by Swardeston in an incredible run of five titles (2012-2016) and Vauxhall Mallards (2002-2004). This would be in some ways, perhaps, their biggest achievement or at least on par with their first ever EAPL title; given the thin squad and the terrible start to our 2026 campaign. To the neutrals and supporters of our title rivals I make no apology for my apparent ‘greed’ or in enjoying the good times. I have been involved with Sawston, for over fifty years, in which time we have endured some pretty desperate days both on and off the field.
Those who know the Club will also know that we have had a difficult twelve months or so off the field with terrible illnesses to both Louise and David Ellis, both of whom have done so much and continue to do so much for the Club. I’m sure the boys will want to do it for these two as much as themselves.
The only way the Rams can guarantee a fifth title in six years is by beating both Copdock and then Horsford. In four of the last five years the EAPL title has been won with around four hundred points; but a total of close to four hundred and fifty will be needed this year.
On Saturday we travel to Copdock and there are a number of similarities between the two sides. The hosts have just one defeat in the last fifteen, including a draw at Sawston in the red ball game, whereas the Rams are undefeated in fifteen; both have one player suspended and they are separated by just two points. It is rumoured, that school-teacher, Sam Arthurton is available for the home side. The prolific Norfolk batter has managed to score six hundred and sixty runs (@82.5) in just thirteen matches. Despite fellow opener Ollie Burle missing out and the big-hitting Mihlali Mpongwana back in South Africa (with the National A team) the Rams will not underestimate the hosts’ all-round batting unit. The bowling will again be spearheaded by another Norfolk regular, Andy Hanby, who is Copdock’s leading bowler with Mpongwana and Suffolk’s Thomas Harper just behind.
With Rajan Singh making his first visit back to Copdock since his pre-season move he along with Ben Claydon and potentially Jack Beaumont will be joining up with some old teammates.
Horsford have a home game against Bury and will be favourites to take the title battle into the final week. Swardeston who were the only side to make a little progress last week, host Downham, hoping for results to go their way to enable them to take an unlikely ninth title. Mildenhall face bottom side Frinton (that position was confirmed last week); Sudbury (now mathematically safe) are at home to AB Wanderers and Witham will face Ramsey.