Matthews speaks of “great achievement” as Sedgwick beat Trimpell

Matthews’ side travelled to Trimpell and won the game by 10 wickets in just over 16 overs at the weekend.

Only Paul Thompson (33) made double figures for the hosts, and the opener was last to depart. Five players departed without scoring, and Matthews led the way with figures of 6-19.

Ridley featured in the game as a fielder, but didn’t bowl due to injury. He was the leading wicket taker in Division 1 last season with 51 wickets at an average of 10.27.

“We were missing Chris Evans today which didn’t matter too much because we didn’t actually lose a wicket,” Matthews said.

“He is our middle order run scorer and obviously Tom Ridley didn’t bowl today because he’s injured. He’s our usual opening bowler, so to bowl them out without using him is a good achievement. I was injured as well actually.

“I know I got six wickets, but managed to somehow pull myself through twelve overs, and I’m sure I’ll pay for that tomorrow.

“I had a bit more luck than Rich [Richard Hanson]. I got a few lucky inside edges that some weeks you don’t get.

“It always helps if you’re swinging it into the batsman if you’re getting those.

“Rich was a bit unlucky. He didn’t get as much luck as he usually gets. The ball probably didn’t do much off the pitch for him but if you bowl straight, wicket to wicket, it usually pays dividends.”

Up next for Sedgwick is Bare away, a team that Ridley took 7-32 against last summer. Bare managed to hold Milnthorpe to a winning draw at the weekend, despite the visitors losing just three wickets and being 19 runs short of the target.

Ahead of the game, Sedgwick’s captain said: “We’re pretty confident for the next game. We’ve got Bare away so something similar to today I would expect. I worry for Bare if Tom Ridley is going to be fit to bowl as well so we’re very confident in that one.

“Generally for the league, I feel we should be within the top three, four, hopefully I would say – pushing for the third or second place – so I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead.”