RUBEROIDS Sutton Cricket Club made a promising start to the new season on Saturday with a winning draw at Ainsdale.

Batting first, Sutton's openers G Bowles and M Rimmer laid the foundations and at 115-2 Sutton were coasting thanks to a great knock of 53 from Sean Anders and 39 from Keiron Barr.

However the infamous Sutton collapse saw them declare at 160-9. Ainsdale made a solid start but excellent fielding from Sutton and tight bowling by Stuart Rimmer and Keiron Barr kept the game in balance. A magnificent run out by Andy Brogan to remove the New Zealand professional followed by a full-length one-handed catch to get the Ainsdale skipper were the highlights in the field.

But Sutton ran out of time and Ainsdale were 147-8 at the end.

The second team also drew their game with last season's champions Ainsdale. Excellent bowling from Derrick Moss and Steven Moss pegged Ainsdale back early in their innings and Derrick Moss picked up three wickets.

Captain Mark Reynolds took four wickets and Ste Greener the other three as Ainsdale were bowled out for 109 in 50 overs. In reply a solid 24 from opener Gareth Powell and a classy 34 from Darren Hockenhull kept Sutton on the hunt and yielded dividends for Sutton's youth policy.

However a combination of a slow over rate, Sutton receiving only 32 overs, and a rain-soaked wicket left Sutton only nine runs short of the Ainsdale total and having to settle for a creditable draw.

Suttons third team had a disappointing day against Action in a pre-season friendly on Sunday. In their 40 overs Sutton made 138 with 53 from opener Geoff Bowles. A much larger target should have been reached but Sutton's batsmen gave their wickets away.

Sutton's fielding and catching was then not up to their usual high standards allowing Action to reach 139-6 and win the game.

Sutton are recruiting for their junior teams and anybody wishing to play should call the club on 01744 812266 for information. Sutton Cricket Club would like to thank their new club sponsors Ruberoids for their support.

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