Experience tells as Sutton ease past Cambridge St Giles

Sutton CC V Cambridge St Giles, Sutton batsman Dan Grady (Image: Archant)

IT was experience that won the day for Sutton as old hands Cornelio De Plessis and Ren Barnard batted their side to a 21-run win over Cambridge St Giles II.

Sutton were tasked with batting first amid changeable overhead conditions and found the going tough early on as Cambridge’s varied attack nipped out plenty of quick wickets.

The hosts found themselves in a spot of bother with less than 50 runs on the board and five wickets down but their innings was turned around with the arrival of Barnard to join opener De Plessis at the crease.

The number seven batsmen made an unbeaten 45 that included three fours and a six while, at the other end, partner De Plessis bludgeoned eights fours and a six on his way to 58.

The Sutton opener was eventually trapped lbw by Ben Jakes and Sutton’s innings quickly folded after that, with the team all out for 156.

Alan Rodger led the bowling for the visitors, taking 4-40 from his eight-over spell.

Unlike their hosts, Cambridge made a strong start with the bat thanks, largely, to the patient work of Austin Hymas, who made 62 at number three.

When Barnard had him caught by Lloyd Brown, however, the momentum swung back in Sutton’s favour, with wickets tumbling thereafter.

Barnard capped a fine day by helping himself to 2-27, while Michael Grady took 3-24 and young Ryan Bowles managed 4-18, wrapping up the final wicket with 135 runs on the board.

Sutton II meanwhile, had an altogether easier victory as their opponents Girton II defaulted, handing them the win.

Sutton will be back in action again on Saturday as they host Cambridge Granta III.