The last two weeks are going to be crucial to the 1st XI as they seek to avoid relegation and the 2nd XI who are pushing hard for promotion.
The 1's travelled to Dinton and lost by 6 wickets despite an opening stand of 90 from Martin Middleton (50) and Ben Keeping. Following the loss of Keeping for 29 wickets fell consistently with only Conor Taylor (25) and Paul Brzezicki (46) offering sustained resistence. In reply to the Ridge's 198 all out, Dinton got off to a flyer with Sutcliffe making a brutal 81 from an opening stand of 116. Buhagiar broke through with a couple of wickets and Keeping picked up captain and opener Ashley Smith but Dinton made it home by 6 wickets despite what is potentially the catch of the season from Phil Robinson diving to his right in the gully.
The 2's meanwhile chased down 218 with the loss of only one wicket as the old guard mopped up the runs with the "Guvn'r", Malcolm Ashby, making an unbeaton 93 and Geoff Tombs making a remarkable physical recovery to bludgeon 70 not out.
There are two games to go with the 1's (currently 3rd from bottom, one place from the drop) at home to Milton Keynes (currently 2nd) and then away to Oxford and Bletchingdon who are one place ahead. The Ridge are just 3 points clear of Tiddington who occupy the 2nd "drop spot".
The 2nd XI are currently 2nd in Division 6 but only 6 points clear of Thame 2nd XI. A win at home to Bledlow Village 2nd XI next week and at home to Horspath 2nd XI the week after will see them promoted to Division 5.
We NEED EVERYONE AVAILABLE FOR THESE CRUCIAL LAST TWO WEEKENDS.
