Report: Dave Reeder
Photos: Jo Smallwood
Swardeston made it two wins on the bounce in the Anglian Vehicle Linings East Anglian Premier League with a seven-wicket victory over Ramsey after successfully chasing a target of 249 in 48.3 overs.
Ramsey, having been put in after Swardeston won the toss and elected to field, posted 248 for 8 from their full 64 overs, but Swardeston’s reply proved composed to seal the win.
Ramsey’s innings was built around an excellent 88 from Ben Saunders, who faced 126 balls and struck eight fours and one six. He provided the backbone of the visitors’ total, sharing useful stands after openers Michael Cafferkey and Jordon Cafferkey had both made solid starts with 32 and 37 respectively.
Sandun Weerakkody added an important 30 in the middle order, but Ramsey were unable to accelerate decisively in the closing stages.
Swardeston kept control through disciplined bowling and fielding in the hot conditions, with Saranga Rajaguru and Richard Sims both taking three wickets. Rajaguru returned 3 for 65 from 18 overs, while Sims claimed 3 for 84 from his 18.
Lewis Reeder bowled an excellent opening spell while Ben France conceded just 20 runs from 11 overs and took the wicket of Michael Cafferkey.
Swardeston claimed two excellent diving catches from Tim Ward and Tom Bailey.
Set a revised target of 249 from 52 overs after a short rain break mid-innings, Swardeston paced their chase impressively and reached 252 for 3 in 48.3 overs.
Tim Ward anchored the innings superbly with an unbeaten 86 from 102 balls, striking 11 fours, while Jonah Wicks provided the decisive acceleration with 65 not out from just 50 deliveries, including six fours and three sixes.
Earlier, Benjamin Chapman made 38, and Alfie Cooper added 39 to keep the chase on course before Ward and Wicks completed the job with an impressive unbroken stand after the third wicket had fallen at 146.
The result gave Swardeston 25 points, while Ramsey collected 7 points.
Scorecard: https://swardeston.play-cricket.com/website/results/7205637
