A232 Friendly Derby Kicks-Off 2020 Season!
The start of the Surrey Championship League season may be three months late but, after a summer of uncertainty, the opportunity to take to the field and play competitively has finally arrived.
A shortened season and a new format were always on the cards after the campaign was put on hold by the Covid-19 pandemic; but league administrators have been working round the clock to ensure everything is in place for things to get under way this coming weekend.
For season 2020, all teams from the AJ Fordham Surrey Championship, in tandem with its feeder competition, the Fuller’s Brewery League, are combining in a single competition: The AJ Fordham & Fuller’s Brewery Challenge Cup; a regionalised competition over seven weeks from July 25th. Details of groupings are available via the Championship website here.
Sutton’s 1st XI is playing in group 5; the 2s in group 18; and the 3s in group 31. Please click here for ‘Guidance on Rules & Playing Conditions’. The 4s will play their 2020 season in the Surrey County League Division 4; details here.
Several clubs, including Sutton, dipped their toes in with some friendly action last weekend to help them adjust to the regulations now in place and to ensure the game is safe for all.
Our 1st XI met borough neighbours Beddington CC at Cheam Road on a beautiful July day, perfect for cricket. After winning the toss, Sutton elected to bat; but early season optimism was dented swiftly as class bowling by Ryan Cummins, (not unusual) damaged Sutton’s top order; and before long we were flagging at 6 runs for 4 wickets, thanks to Ryan’s devastating opening spell of 3 wickets for 3 runs, (final figures: 8-5-5-4). The ship was steadied with the help of 53 runs from Sagar Joshi and 46 from Josh Blake. Requiring 162 to win Beddington found the going tough as Sutton’s bowlers delivered nice, tidy lines. Aneesh Jhalia (8-2-27-3) and Rehan Ratnasapabathy (5.2-0-16-3) excelled as Beddington drifted to a final total of 134 all out 36.2 overs, leaving Sutton winners by 27 runs. A very pleasant day all round!
For the Club’s 2020 Fixtures and Results please click here.
Competitive club cricket starts this weekend and onwards when many thought it might be impossible to do so. It’s been a bit of a roller coaster not knowing when and if we were going to play this season and it wasn’t until two weeks ago that confirmation reached us outlining a playing format which, it seems, has been received well by clubs and players. It has certainly made the long days’ of waiting worth it.
Enjoy your season!
The Third Man.
The Third Man 