Cricket: Ramsey’s home advantage could be key to play-off success

A rare defeat could be just what Ramsey needed as their season of success takes its final, and most important, turn on Saturday when they host Frinton in the play-off for a place in the East Anglian Premier League.

The visitors have a strong side, boasting former Essex player Mervyn Westfield – playing again this season following his conviction for spot-fixing in 2010 – and Ben Foakes, 21, the wicketkeeper batsman who has featured several times for Essex.

Ramsey lost to Wisbech on Saturday in their final league game – with the title already secured – but all-rounder Michael Cafferkey believes the result can be a positive.

“It’s a wake-up call,” he said. “It’s only our third defeat in all competitions - which we’ve all won. We were 100 for 0, then lost lots of wickets. Then we gave a bowl to everyone with this weekend in mind, trying to replicate the minor counties rules that the play-off will be played under. The defeat might be a positive, as you always come back stronger from a defeat.

“We will be the underdogs against Frinton. But we have home advantage, which will be a big positive. Wisbech beat them in the play-off semi-final last year, so anything’s possible.

“We have a strong bowling attack with lots of options. Our batting is deep and we score quickly.

“Westfield will be a key player for them. It’s his first year back, at any level, following his ban and Foakes is possibly joining Surrey.”

Against Wisbech, Ramsey were restricted to 203-7 before the home side reached their target with four wickets to spare.