GALLERY: Despair for Ramsey in cricket play-off
Ramsey CC v Frinton CC, Ramsey batsman David Clarke, out - Credit: Archant
Three years after their last play-off final, Ramsey again failed to reach the East Anglian Premier League, after an eight-wicket defeat to Frinton, but this time they can build on their success.
All-rounder Michael Cafferkey was then a junior member of a side that lost a few players for the 2012 season, but this time he feels the club can keep the squad together and strengthen.
“Three years ago we lost a few players. I don’t think that will be the case again, if anything we will look to strengthen.
“No one has ever won the Tucker Gardner back to back and that will be our aim next season. And then, hopefully, we can go one better after that and reach the East Anglian Premier League.
“We’ve only lost four games all season. Obviously we’re disappointed, promotion was the ultimate goal we set out for.”
Saturday’s final, watched by more than 200 spectators, began well for the hosts.
Cafferkey and captain Taylor West put on 80 runs for the third wicket after openers David Clarke – unluckily bowled off his thigh pad - and James Markland fell cheaply.
Most Read
- 1 MBR Acres releases image of graffiti message
- 2 Pictures show dramatic skies over Huntingdonshire and the Fens
- 3 Work starts on affordable 56-home development in Huntingdon
- 4 White roses and political history in Huntingdonshire
- 5 Huntingdon thief jailed after stealing watch, iPod and iPhone from vehicles
- 6 RSPCA investigating 'welfare of beagles' at Huntingdon dog breeding unit
- 7 80th birthday celebrations for the East's longest-serving lollipop lady
- 8 Beer from Lidl and vegan chocolates among items recalled over safety fears
- 9 Family pay tribute to brothers, 13 and 17, killed in horror BMW crash
- 10 Judge makes contempt of court ruling against Camp Beagle protesters
Cafferkey was out for 45 and West fell for 35, but after 30 overs Ramsey, with Matt Flack (20) ticking along, were still well placed on 125 for 4.
Then Ramsey lost their remaining six wickets for just 23 runs, all out for 148 from 43.4 overs.
“Mervyn Westfield bowled particularly well and they had two good left-arm spinners. 148 was never going to be enough.”
In reply Ben Foakes, not only an Essex wicketkeeper-batsman, but an England Lions player to boot, struck 80 and that was that. Frinton made their target with eight wickets to spare.
“Foakes was the difference, plus they held every chance when we were batting,” said Cafferkey.
One silver lining: Frinton’s 70 supporters pumped plenty of money into Ramsey coffers at the bar.
