Sutton CC's U8s win NEC U8 Festival at Beddington CC! More here.....
20th July 2007 Sutton U12 v  Reigate Priory U12. (Away.)	Sutton make zonal semi-finals! Sutton 102-6; RP 92-4; Sutton win by 10 runs. Whilst all the other league games in our zone were abandoned this evening a vote of thanks must go to our hosts who were pretty sporting in trying to ensure this game was played. This was a winner take all final league match as the victors would go though to the NEC playoffs. Sutton won the toss and elected to bat. Our innings got off to a flying start with Harry Allen scoring 10 off his first 4 balls including a very nicely timed 6 up and over square leg but was then out for 14. Ruardidh Geddes (25* not out) steadying the ship with some sensible support from Tommy Quinton and Sam Thoburn playing a captains knock retiring on 25* meant Sutton closed on 102 off their 20 overs. This was probably a slightly below par total but the young Popinjays put in an excellent bowling performance with all the bowlers doing well : Sam Wright (4-0-22-0) Andrew James (2-0-8-0) Billy Yeats (3-0-13-1) Tommy Quinton (4-0-10-0) Sam Thoburn (2-0-11-1) Ryan Mead (2-0-8-0) and Nick Robinson (3-0-15-1). Anthony Smith kept well behind the stumps and Ollie Sitch contributed with some sharp fielding. Sutton kept things very tight in the field early on as can be seen from Reigate only scoring 31 off the first 10 overs in their reply. As the run rate increased the pressure told on the home side and in the end Reigate finished on 92 runs, 10 runs short. A very good win for Sutton. As a result of this win the U12's are in the NEC Play off semi finals; date and opponents to be advised.
16th July 2007 Sutton U9 v Reigate Priory U9 (Away.)	Sutton lose by 13 runs!  Sutton 208-8; RP 221-7.  The rain relented enough for our much anticipated top of the table clash with Reigate Priory to go ahead.It was unfortunate that 4 of our regular boys were on holiday, however those that stepped in did Sutton proud (particularly Patrick Jordan and Gus Leonard who hadn't played at this level before).   Sutton captain Jonathan Eales won the toss and decided to bowl. As usual all the boys bowled and fielded well, never allowing Reigate to get away and regularly chipping in with the odd wicket, and eventually restricting them to 221 for 7 wickets.  In reply we struggled to come to terms with some good, tight bowling and fielding and were consequently always slightly behind the required rate. We ended up on 208 for 8 wickets, which under the circumstances was a fine effort.   We are now level on points with Reigate, with 1 more match each to play. Assuming we finish on the same number of points, the league winners are the team with the greater positive difference between runs scored and runs conceded. So (if you're still with me) there's still plenty to play for next week!
16th July 2007. U8 UP-DATE.	The only result this week was: Sanderstead 203 v Reigate Priory 288. Reigate won by 85 runs!   Which gives us the following table:   Team                   Played    Won     Lost    Points Reigate Priory         7              6          1           25 Sutton                     7              6          1           25 Oxted                      6              2          4           12 Purley                     6              1           5             9 Sanderstead           6              1          5             9    This coming weekend's fixtures are as follows:   Reigate Priory v Purley Oxted v Sanderstead   That will conclude the original league programme leaving just two abandoned games to be played which are Sutton v Purley and Sanderstead v Oxted. Both of these are now scheduled for 29th July.
14th July 2007 Sutton U8 v OWs U8 (Home- friendly.)	U8s ROMP TO 8TH SUCCESSIVE VICTORY! Old Whitgiftians - 203; Sutton  - 309; Sutton win by 106 runs. Our biggest crowd of the season ( 28, the word is spreading!) saw the U8s record their 8th win on the bounce in a friendly against Old Whits. Captain Liam Downey won a good toss and put Old Whits into bat, taking smart advantage of the early cloud cover and a green top!   Another good bowling performance combined with some of our best ever fielding restricted OW to a not-so-threatening 203, and it was good to see us take a "full house" of dismissals with a stumping, run out, catches and several bowled in our total of 12 wickets. Six bowlers (Costa, Baddeliyange, Scully, Mannion, Quinn and Fenwick) contributed with wickets but the highlight was undoubtedly our fielding with good sliding stops, pick ups and throwing allied with safe hands behind the stumps restricting OW to only 20 runs from the bat. The only down side was 10 pairs of the greenest whites ever seen hitting local washing baskets - a small price to pay (according to the Dads obviously) for a keen performance in the field.   Sutton's batting was a mixture of forceful hitting and some suicidal running that could have cost us dear against more disciplined fielding. All pairs added valuable runs, but one or two got carried away with the need to run overthrows in an effort to get themselves on strike, and were guilty of running out (or more often nearly running out) their partners in an effort that would have made Geoff Boycott look like a team player. They have to remember its a team game and its the team score that counts. Nevertheless four batsmen excelled with double figure scores - Mathew Allison 19, Patrick Jordan 18no, Mathew Fenwick 15no, and Sam Griffin 12no. Sam "no risks" Mannion showed the boys how to resist the temptation to take suicidal runs when batting in the last pair - even to the point of calling "no" as the ball sailed over the boundary for four. Priceless!
13th July 2007 Sutton U14 v  Bank of England U14 (Cheam Rd.)	Sutton win by 9 wkts!  Bank of England: 70 all out; Sutton 71-1. A very pleasing 'last league of the season' win against high-flying Bank of England, who despite this thumping defeat make the play-offs thatnks to Cheam's win against Spencer!!  This result offered a bit of comfort for the narrow defeat at the Old Lady's hands earlier in the season. E Daly 2-15; J Taylor 1-12; S Woods 2-5; S Patel 1-15; M Robinson 4-19. C Bliss 13 no; J Allen 53 no. Season's review and averages, coming soon.
13th July 2007 Sutton U12 v  Purley U12. (Away.)	Sutton win by 5 runs! Sutton 125-3; Purley 120-10. Sutton batted first and went like a train through the first 10 or 12 overs at over 7 an over, Ruaridh Geddes,Billy Yeats and Harry Allen all contributing 25* retirements. Sam Thoburn also put in a useful 11 and Tommy Quinton 12 not out. In reply Purley ran us very close as they got out the blocks early at 6 an over until the 11 over mark but good bowling spells from Dhiraj Patel,Andrew James,Ryan Mead,Nick Robinson and Ollie Sitch pegged the home side back and Sutton just squeezed home by 5 runs. Special mention for Ruaridh Geddes who kept wicket well and the champagne moment goes to Sam Wright for his catch on cow corner boundary off Dhiraj's bowling. (Dhiraj, you owe Sam a drink for that one !).
7th July 2007 Sutton U11 v Spencer U11 (Away)	Sutton 199; Spencer 213; Sutton lost. Suttons final game of the season had a delayed start with the pitch double booked. Sutton lost the toss and batted first on a decent track.The delayed start didn't seem to suit Sutton who batted poorly throughout their innings with only Jenanan Mohan and Dan Liddiard avoiding dismissal. Poor batting was compounded by some disappointing running between the wickets resulting in 3 run outs.Sutton finished their innings on 199.   The Sutton bowling and fielding performance was a case of 'what could have been'. Dhiraj Patel opened the bowling and gave Sutton a real chance of victory taking 4-4 in a brilliant dispaly of spin bowling. Elliot Cheeseman 1-6 and Thom Fleck 1-5 offered good support whilst the fielding kept things tight. A couple of tough chances went begging near the end as Spencer finished on just 213 for the loss of 6 wickets.
7th July 2007 Sutton U8 v Oxted U8 (Away.)	Sutton U8 315 Oxted U8 203. The U8s rocketed to the top of their mini league with a resounding 112 run victory over Oxted.   Despite a rain-enforced 2 week break from matches and practice, the boys roared back with a bowling display that suggested they had spent the time in boot-camp with Allan Donald. The bowling from 1-10 was both accurate and attacking, resulting in us taking a season high 16 wickets, conceding a season low 10 runs from wides and no balls, and with a season high 4 maidens bowled. The fielding too was top class with 3 run outs, 3 good catches (no drops) and virtually no overthrows. In short the most disciplined bowling and fielding performance of the season which restricted Oxted to 203 and drew praise from the opposition ranks as well as our own. As ever its difficult to single out individuals as all the bowlers did well, but Gus Leonard's 2 for 4, Jack Hopper's 2 for 2 and Mathew Fenwick's 4 for 2 (yes that is the right way around) were the pick of an excellent bunch of bowlers.   Sutton's batting response was controlled and at times dashing with all pairs contributing valuable runs as we racked up 315 (another season high!). We lost only 2 wickets (another season's record - can you detect a theme here?) with 5 batsmen reaching double figures - Blake 10no, Kennett 12no, Hopper 12no, Leonard 14no, and Fenwick top scoring with 19no. More season records were broken along the way but just too many to mention. On the boundary Jill revived memories of Jonners and Blowers by passing a lovely birthday cake around the commentary box, and your author was amazed and overcome by offers from the boys to operate the scoreboard until he realised it was right next to Oxted's generous supply of biscuits and juice. Four boys reached double figures, with Patrick Jordan top scoring with 12 Custard Creams not out (not a record).   So a resounding victory against friendly and accommodating opposition played against a lovely sunny rural backdrop. The boys continue to develop, as individuals and as a team, at a rate that has taken us all by surprise. They are a real "unit" who play for each other, enjoy themselves and like to win, personified by Liam Downey who was given out by the statistically rare "hit the ball twice" as he attempted to smash his skied forward defensive for six with a second swipe! Enthusiasm and joy in abundance - it was that sort of game all round.
2nd July 2007 Sutton U9 v Purley U9 (Away.)	Sutton win by 74 runs. Sutton 287; Purley 213.  Congratulations to the U9's for our 6th win out of 6 and our most convincing yet!  For those who don't know, Sutton captain Jonathan Eales lost the toss and Purley decided to bowl. After a steady opening partnership of 13, we lost a few wickets and stood at 220 for 6 after the first 3 pairs (12 overs).  Then Owen Kennett and Ben Ford put on 24 and Jonathan Eales and Josh Blake put on 43 (a season best partnership) scoring 15 and 13 not out respectively. Sutton ended up on 287 for 6 our highest score of the season so far.   After the break we bowled and fielded superbly and restricted Purley to 213 for 12, with everyone bowling at least 1 over. The stand out performances coming from Josh Blake with 3 for 4 in 2 overs, Matthew Fenwick with 2 for 5 in 2 overs and the ever reliable Jonathan Eales with 3 for 3 in 3 overs. Therefore we were winners by the hefty margin of 74 runs. So well done again!
23rd June 2007 Sutton U8 v Reigate Priory U8 (Home.)	Sutton 282, Reigate P 281 - Sutton win by 1 run!  What a nail-biter of a top of the table clash this was. Batting first (again) Sutton (again) failed to capitalise on some wayward bowling amassing only 48 off the bat in a total of 282. Only Patrick Jordan made it to double figures with 10 no.ever, we did protect our wickets well losing only 5 lives and helping us to a defendable total especially given the all round strength of our bowling attack, and greatly improved fielding after intensive coaching from Peter E and Grant in midweek. But boy did Reigatemake us work for it, keeping up with run rate in the early stages until in mid innings they were struck by a 3 wicket match-turning burst by Patrick Jordan which set them back. Two strong Reigate batsmen came in last pair and added 34 runs which took Reigate to the brink of an exciting victory, but Josh Blake kept his cool bowling the last over and set us up for a 1 run victory over the league leaders. The team showed great spirit and the bowling in particular was first class this week from 1 through to 10 (a season low of 23 extras conceded including 6 in one delivery!) with Ben Taylor, Charlie Quinn, Sam Griffin and Mathew Fenwick all conceding a miserly number of runs from their 2 overs. Great stuff.
22nd June 2007 Sutton U12's v  Old Whit's U12's. (Home.)	Sutton win to go top!  OW's 86-5 off 20; Sutton 88-3 off 17. By winning this game our U12 side has gone to the top of the division in our League. Old Whits won the toss and elected to bat. The young Popinjays bowled and fielded well so that by the end of the 15th over they had restricted the visitors to just 46 runs with 4 wickets taken. But a late rally saw Old Whits put on 40 runs in the last 5 overs to finish on a total of 86. Rather than pick out any particular bowler this was a good all round fielding and bowling effort by Sutton as the visitors probably felt this was a below par total for the home side to chase.  Our reply got off to a steady start matching the required run rate at the half way stage (40 off 10). Harry Allen's 25* laid a firm foundation with Ben Ledger's 26* seeing Sutton home with 3 overs to spare.
21st June 2007 Sutton U8 v Purley U8 (Home.)	June 21st v Purley CC (Sutton 299, Purley 280 - Sutton win by 19 runs.)  On Midsummer night Sutton travelled to Purley looking to make it 4 wins a row in the U8 mini-league. Batting first we struggled to score many runs off the bat despite a short boundary and some friendly if wayward bowling. No batsman made it into double figures and too many boys managed to get out to a selection of ill conceived shots, including several off obvious wides and no balls - and one off a "wide-no-ball" which caused a rules debate that the UN may have to resolve one day! Nevertheless a massive 78 extras masked what was an average batting display and enabled us to amass 299.    In response Purley belied their bottom placing by chasing down our total by the end of the 16th over, despite a much improved fielding performance and tighter bowling effort by Sutton. We looked to be plummeting to a shock defeat (and the Purley celebrations had started on the boundary!) until the introduction into the attack of the redoubtable pair of Kennett and Blake for the last 4 overs. Owen struck 4 times and Josh once, which when added to a further two run-outs reduced Purley's score by a net 17 runs and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat by a margin of 19 runs. Exciting stuff and much joy for the boys in witnessing one of the most hostile and controlled individual bowling performances of the season by Owen.
18th June 2007 Sutton U9's v OMW's U9's (Away.)	Sutton win by 31 runs. Well played again to everyone!  Another brilliant effort and win. That's 5 out of 5!!   For those who don't know.  We lost the toss and Old Mid Whitgiftians chose to field first.  We got a creditable 261 for the loss of only 4 wickets.  With all making a contribution, particularly Josh Vincent who got 15, (his highest score  to date.)  We then bowled in our usual tight manner and restricted the opposition to 230 for the loss of 9 wickets.  Everybody bowled well, particularly Jonathan Eales who took 4 for 17 in 3 overs. We are therefore, clear at the top of the league, especially as the other teams didn't play, probably due to the weather.  Next game is Monday 25th June at home to Tadworth.
17th June 2007 Sutton U15's v Purley U15's (Away.)	Purley won by 48 runs. Purley U15 131-8 in 24 overs, (Bayley 28, Quinton 3-37;) Sutton U15 83-8 in 24 overs, (Edwards 31, Kelly 4-18.)
17th June 2007 Sutton U11's v Wimbledon U11's (Home)	Wimbledon Under 11 won by 72 runs.  Wimbledon 290, Sutton 218, (pairs cricket rules.) Wimbledon ran out comfortable winners against Sutton following the game on Sunday at Cheam Road. Sutton won the toss and put Wimbledon in and opening bowlers James Fenwick and Jenanan Mohan both bowled good opening spells. Backed up by some good fielding, Sutton kept the pressure on the Wimbledon batsmen and a good contest ensued between some accurate bowling and good batting. Elliot Cheeseman 2-12 was the pick of the bowlers with good support from Justin Harvey 1-17. Wimbledon finished on 290-6.  In reply Sutton struggled losing wickets regularly throughout the innings. Justin Harvey with an unbbeaten 22 and Elliot Cheeseman with 12 not out boosted the score before a good knock at the end from James Fenwick (15) ensured Sutton finished in credit. This was a far from disappointing performance from Sutton, who again were missing over half the side to District commitments!
16th June 2007 Sutton U8 v Sanderstead U8 (Home.)	The U8s continued their recent good form with a thrilling 2 run victory at home to Sanderstead today.  (Pairs cricket format.)Bowling first on a drizzly morning and with a slippery ball we restricted the opposition to a challenging 284. Our tightest bowling performance to date (a paltry 22 extras conceded) was spoiled by some indisciplined fielding, forgoing the basics of collecting the ball at the stumps and backing up, in favour of a wild and uncontrolled shy at the stumps. But for overthrows we would have restricted Sanderstead to closer to 260. Although we only took 3 wickets the bowling was accurate and disciplined throughout, notably Ben Taylor and Owen Kennett who conceded only 3 and 5 runs respectively.  The Sutton batting response was equally controlled, with a rapid start from Jordan and Downey (22 runs) followed by a bit a of a mid-innings lull before Fenwick and Hopper (32 runs) picked up the pace at pair 4, leaving Kennet and "Stonewall" Blake to take us to a winning score of 286 in the final 4 overs. The tension as Stonewall straight batted the final 6 balls was tangible, but the home side exuded an air of confidence that made the victory almost comfortable in the end!  Sanderstead were admirable opponents and had improved considerably since the away fixture. The U8's march on toward a potential title showdown with Reigate Priory next Saturday - we will have to considerably improve our game in the field if we want to be victorious against the current league leaders - its back to basics as ever!
15th June 2007 Sutton U12's v  Reigate Priory U12's. (Home.)	Sutton Under 12 Won by 7 wickets!  RP 110-6; Sutton 111-3.  Another very exciting finish at Holmwood Close as Sutton surpassed the visitor's total with just 2 balls to spare. The home manager's and home parent's nerves were in tatters as this game reached it's crescendo but credit must go to both sides who produced a great game of cricket. Reigate won the toss and decided to bat first. The young Sutton bowlers all bowled well, especially Ben Ledger 2-0-13-2, Andrew James 2-0-4-1, Ethan Hall 2-0-4-0 and Tommy Quinton 2-0-12-0. Nick Robinson also put in a hard 4 over shift for one wicket. Our fielding was good with Andrew James and Sam Wright particularly sharp and Anthony Smith keeping well. This very good fielding and bowling effort resulted in Reigate posting a below par total of 110 off their 20 overs. Sutton's reply was lead by Ruaridh Geddes and Harry Allen who scored 17 and 25* off 33 and 36 balls respectively. Billy Yeats contributed with a rapid 17 off 23 and Sam Thoburn's outstanding 19 off 9 balls saw the young Popinjays across the finishing line. Compliments are due to Reigate who fielded and bowled to their customary high standard and with 2 overs to go and needing 21 runs it looked a big ask for the Sutton boys. Our young lads held their nerve however to come through to win by 7 wickets. This really was a great all round team effort which is why all the boys get a mention!
15th June 2007 Sutton U14's v  Wandgas U14's. (Away.)	Sutton won by 6 wickets. Wandgas 71-4 off 20; Sutton 72-4 off 16.  Supportive age-group managers and parents again helped the U14 age group field a full team.  Where would we have been this season without you? Failry opbvious really; so again, thank you to all those involved. Although near the foot of the table, the Wandgas performance tonight certainly belied their league position.  They fought hard and fair throughout the match but the class of Josh Taylor, 47 runs, and that of skip for the night, Shiv Patel, 4-3-4-2, told in the end.  A well-deserved win, played in an marvellous spirt by both sides, and supported by parents and friends who seemed genuinely happy to simply be at the game and enjoy the cricket for all the right reasons.  Thank you Wandgas.
13th June 2007 Sutton U14's v  B of Eng U14's. League Cup 2nd Rd. (Home.)	Sutton lost by 9 wkts.  Sutton 122-3 off 20 overs.  B of Eng 123-1 of 19 overs.  With the availability difficulties that we have continuously endured during the early part of the season sustained, selection for this match yet again proved complex.  Once more, it was only the willingness of parents and boys of lower age-groups at the club to help alleviate the situation, in addition to supportive age-group managers, that we were eventually able to field a side.  Thank you to all those involved. That we did not manage to defend a competitive total of 122 runs is no reflection on the team, which fielded with great heart, chasing the ball to all parts.  However, on a number of occasions we were unable to grab the potential catches that came our way.  Just one would have given us a well-deserved breakthrough; so we are left to rue the day.  Our batting, especially that of senior colts Josh T and Sam W, set-up a challenging total against steady and accurate bowling.  Combining an early wicket with our own sound bowling, (e.g. JT 4-1-8-1) the end of the 10th over saw the B of E side still needing 80 to win.  Unfortunately, we hadn’t taken our opportunities and the opposition still had nine wickets left standing! It was at this stage that their batsmen started taking chances and for them, it paid-off handsomely, as they ran out winners by 9-wickets in the 19th over.  The makings of a Sutton win were there, but it was not to be this time; and in fairness to the B of England boys, they worked hard for their victory, albeit while riding their luck.  But that’s cricket!  Well done boys, with a special hurrah to Harry Allen, Sam Thoburn, Sam Wright and new Sutton CC colt, Billy Yeates, who all performed extremely well within an age-group team of 1, 2, or even 3-years up; and again thanks to all the parents who rallied-round to help us overcome a difficult ‘resource’ problem. TEAM: 1. Harry Allen; 2. Nick Causer; 3. Mo Jaffer; 4. Aldo Meza-Williams; 5. Shiv Patel; 6. Tommy Siefers; 7. Josh Taylor; 8. Sam Thoburn; 9. Sam Woods; 10. Sam Wright; 11. Billy Yates. Batting: Josh Taylor 49; Sam Woods 61 no.
10th June 2007 Sutton U13's v  Purley U13's. (Home.)	Although we lost today, I was very happy with the performance.  We gave away just 8 extras (Purley gave us 34)…down from the 40 last week.  Bowling was good again…Ethan was excellent with just 11 runs coming from his 4 overs and he got a wicket.  I also felt Michael was very good…3 overs - 1 for 17 runs.  Wickets also for Nick and AJ.  Leading wicket takers so far this year are; Luke 3 with Alex, AJ, Ethan, Nick, Michael and Connor on 2…interesting to note none of my opening bowlers are on this list !!      Much better in the field…some brilliant stops, particularly from Sam, AJ and Michael… probably saving 15 runs or so.  In terms of batting…seasons best totals for AJ and Ethan (10 & 4 respectively)…Tommy was just 1 run off his with a really handy 22 and Sam also weighed in again with 14.  Luke tested his previous best of 9 with two firmly hit 4’s…Ryan (6) and Michael (8) equalled their top scores since I have been in charge.  Michael joins Tommy and Sam Wright at the top of the most 6’s league…a trophy awaits the winner and I am expecting Sam G and Billy to challenge for this.  Glenn had promised me 29 runs…although got a delivery that I think would have beaten almost anyone.  I will try and work out some batting averages shortly.   Just over 3 weeks ago we played this Purley side in the cup…on paper we had a much stronger side at that time.  Those of you there would remember how they spanked us all round the ground, scoring 189 runs off 20 overs…we were all out in 12 overs for 69.  This time we got to 111, lasted to 22.5 overs and restricted their scoring rate.  The boundary count is also interesting…3 weeks ago they hit us for 7 sixes and 18 fours (we managed only 4 boundaries overselves).  This week…they hit us for 16 fours and our reply 1 x 6 (Michael G) and 11 fours.  Again we should remember that we were without Connor, Ruaridh, Billy and Sam T.  We are visibly getting better week on week.
10th June 2007 Sutton U11's v Addiscombe U11's (Home)	A much weakened under 11's side won the toss and put Addiscombe into bat. On a dreadful pitch the bowling side always had the upper hand with good opening spells from Jame Fenwick and Jenanan Mohan. Elliott Waletsr returning to the side from injury kept it tight and Elliot Cheeseman starred with the ball taking 3 wickets for just 2 runs off 3 overs. Justin Harvey took a wicket and the fielding side offered two moments of exceptional fielding-a stunning catch from David Rowlands and a superb stop and then run out by Thom Fleck.Addicombe concluded on 236 for 5.  In reply Sutton always struggled with a very poor wicket and regularly lost wickets throughout te innings-the ball keeping low at one end and popping off a length at the other.Batting star was Justin Harvey who coped better than most for his 14.Sutton finished on 182.   The game gave a debuts to Jake Loadman and first apperances of the season to David Rowlands and Cameron Muir all of whom acquited themselves well.  Bring on Wimbledon!!!
9nd June 2007 Sutton U8 v OWs U8 (Home.)	The U8s made it 3 wins a row with a comfortable victory by 44 runs over Old Whits in an away friendly arranged following Cheam's withdrawal from the mini league competition. This was Old Whits' first game at this level and many of their boys were obviously playing for their first organised match too. Old Whits batted first and despite some of their boys apparently holding a bat for the first time, managed to accumulate 240. Sutton bowled well throughout the team taking 10 wickets, with Ruarai Gildea, Joe Robertson, Gus Leonard and Jack Hopper chipping in with 2 wickets apiece.   Sutton's pursuit of the winning total was controlled and disciplined with some excellent calling and running between the wickets. Some of the bowling made it difficult to score for the early batsmen, but everyone chipped in with runs in our total of 284. Sam Griffin and Mathew Fenwick both made it to double figures with 11 and 10no respectively.   Another great trip away and more new friends made. The match showed how far the boys have come in a few short weeks and how their "cricket craft" and team spirit have developed during that time.
8th June 2007 Sutton U14 v Spencer U14 League. (Home.)	Sutton lost by 32 runs.  Spencer 92-9 , Sutton 58-9.  In a low scoring match, a defeat of such proportions would ordinarily be deemed as 'disappointing'!  However, the club should be extremely proud of our boys.  They played the game true, in every word, to the 'Sprit of Cricket', and their collective and individual approach throughout the game was exemplary.  The opposition, on the other hand, produced the most disheartening display of youth cricket your correspondent has ever seen, in many years of colts’ cricket involvement.    Encouragement on and off the field of play is one thing, but down right intimidation, is another.  The overtly aggressive vocal and physical approach of a number of Spencer’s ‘players’ was menacing and sometimes abusive.  In addition, fielders, who flouted the ECB’s rules on minimum fielding distances repeatedly, frequently moved while balls were being bowled.......and in doing so, they were never that quiet about it!  Spencer’s 'management' has no control over these kids; or it would seem their kids’ parents, if some of the parents ‘performance’ was anything to go by!   Essentially, Spencer ‘bullied’ their way to victory.  If they and their club feels satisfied about that, then so be it.  That’s an attitude to the game of cricket that we cannot change.  However, we should delight in the knowledge that at Sutton CC if, at whatever level of the game, we were faced with having to defend, ‘a pretty disappointing total’, (Spencer’s words,) we would never approach our task in the same aggressive manner as Spencer did tonight.     This evening, under deliberate provocation, our boys upheld Sutton CC’s cricketing culture, of which we should be proud.  Moreover, we must be thankful that in the main, other clubs remain faithful to a similar ethos; which begs the simple question, ‘why is it that Spencer can’t?’   The result of this match pales into insignificance, given the above described scenario.  Suffice to say, that we bowled and fielded magnificently, never giving a ‘strong’ Spencer side, a moment of comfort.  Their disappointment at such a total was plain for all to see.  Their response to defending it was in basic terms, appalling.
6th June 2007 Sutton U11's v Spencer U11's League Cup Match (Home)	This was a very tight match which saw Sutton edge home by just 2 runs in a thrilling finish. Spencer batted first and put up a competitive total of 264. Although none of the young Sutton bowlers were thrashed around the park the total was probably a little more than the home side had hoped. Young Popinjay bowlers who impressed were Sam Wright with figures of 2-0-4-0 and the Gardner brothers both U10 and playing up a year, William with 3-0-10-1 and Matthew with 2-1-4-1. Harry Allen kept tidily and all the Sutton bowlers bowled well with only 17 extras given away compared to 39 offered by the opposition. Sutton's reply got off to a steady start with James Fenwick batting sensibly and Justin Harvey adding momentum in the middle order. Elliot Cheeseman and Tom Fleck also held their nerve against some testing bowling from the visitors. Enter the last pair Dhiraj Patel and Ollie Sitch (20*). Going for their shots and running positively they put on a quickfire 34 runs which even with losing one wicket along the way was sufficient to see Sutton home in the rapidly descending gloom. Although the delight of the home side and their supporters in watching Ollie block out the last ball for a 2 run victory will live in the memory this really was a team effort from all the boys who tried their very best in the fading light.
3rd June 2007 Sutton U11's v OMWs U11.  (Home.)	OMW edged a close game at Holmwood Close by the narrowest of margins. Batting first Sutton made 259 -7 helped by 12 from James Fenwick and 32 from Ben Ledger.However wickets fell reguarly restricting Suttons score on a decent batting track. In return thanks to some tight bowling OMW batted sensibly only losing 3 wickets in their innings as they made 262 for 3 to win by just 3 runs with Ollie Sitch unlucky not to take the wicket required in the last over to seal a victory. Dhiraj Patel was the pick of the bowlers with 2-13.
3rd June 2007 Sutton U13's v  Addiscombe U13's. (Home.)	At Cheam Road Sutton won toss and decided to field. Addiscombe scored 137 for 3 off 24 overs, Sutton also scored 137 for 5 off 24 overs…match tied!!  Some quick highlights from what was a game we should have won…although played well nevertheless.  Billy Yates completed the fastest retirement I have ever seen (he is also playing up a year)…25 off 15 balls…6 fours and 1 single and this was off Addiscombe’s opening bowlers.  Sam Gardner and Ruaridh Geddes also retired not out on 25...both played very well.  Bowling…in a high scoring match…Luke Wright bowled well…2 overs, one wicket for 5 runs.