Cricket: Sandyford stay focused

Sandyford v Blythe

NSSCL DukesDivision One

by Allan Smith

HIGH-FLYING Sandyford are refusing to entertain thoughts of promotion, despite lying second in Dukes Division One.

Sandyford entertain another side in the shake-up tomorrow – fourth-placed Blythe – searching for a league double to close the 25-point gap on leaders Elworth.

But captain Gareth Rigby, below, has played down the prospect of reaching the WaterWorld Premier Division, insisting seven teams are capable of mounting a challenge for the top flight.

"We are trying to keep thoughts of promotion at the back of our minds. We know we have the players to win promotion and we are enjoying it," said Rigby.

"The ball is in our court but, as they say, we are taking it a game at a time.

"It is really tight at the top of the league and any of the top six or seven can still get promotion, which is good for the league."

Rigby has led from the front, taking 31 wickets in all competitions – the same number as team-mate Andrew Barnett.

On the batting front, Stephan Shemilt has clocked up 400 runs in all competitions, with Jonathan Barnett (262) and professional Ajantha Weerapulli (245) providing good support.

"Everybody is making a contribution. We are bowling well as a unit and the batting is doing fine, led by Stephan and Jonathan," added Rigby. "The professional is yet to fire on all cylinders, so it is good to be up there without seeing the best of him."

Blythe go into the fixture in fine form after four wins from their last five matches, which has put them 11 points adrift of the second promotion place.

Captain Peter Finch has already captured 27 wickets, while experienced opener Martin Bailey has amassed 370 runs.

Blythe have also reached the quarter-finals of the Talbot Cup, but Finch is keen to see further improvement in his side's performances.

"There are still some areas to sort out, but overall it's not going too bad. We need to keep improving and taking the club forward," he said.

"Our professional, Nilantha Cooray, has been getting plenty of runs, but we could do with a few more wickets from him.

"He looks the business when he is bowling, but is not yet getting his just reward."

The Sri Lankan leg-spinner has been warming up for the match by spending a few days at Worcester bowling in the nets at the Australian tourists.

But despite wanting more from the professional, Finch reserved praise for his young side.

"We have never been a club that relies on just the professional to perform," he explained.

"The majority of our players have been at the club for a long time and it is great to see players like Haydon Simcock and Craig Grimley making their mark.

"We only bring in people to fill gaps where we see them. Rob Mozelewski has come in and is doing a good job as our strike bowler, while Darren Martin is fitting in nicely as an all-rounder.

"If you have a team of all youngsters their heads can go down if things get tough, so you need experienced heads around them, and I think we have a good balance."

"I have a lot of time for the Sandyford lads. Like us they have got a core of good amateurs who do most of the work on the pitch."