MC vs. Norfolk

"I have pleasure in announcing the team for the very important Middleton Cup fixture against Norfolk at Felixstowe & Suffolk Bowling Club on Saturday, 12th July 2025.

This is our last match in the group stages but hopefully not our final fixture of the campaign. Although our destiny is not in our own hands, I feel that Essex have a tough game at St Neots versus Cambridgeshire and could slip up, and we are very capable of beating Norfolk who have lost their two matches. If results went our way, we would book our place in the quarter-finals. How massively satisfying it would be to win the group.

The performance against Essex was brilliant and so many players were at their best. How we lost overall, I really don’t know. But if we play like that, we will have every chance of beating Norfolk.

I would have liked to have kept the same team for the forthcoming match but this has not been possible. It is disappointing that our sport has two distinct codes and players have to choose which to play in when there are potential clashes and possible bans. This makes my job of building and developing a ‘formidable-for-the-future’ team difficult and compromises our continuity and success. We also had two unavailable players due to holidays which is more understandable.

I would therefore like to show immense appreciation to the players who are coming into the side to face Norfolk. Congratulations to Jack Burch who will deservedly make his debut, and to George Ward and Mark Todd who are recalled. Mark was unavailable for the earlier games for health reasons. I would especially like to welcome back Kelvyn Earthroll who is vastly experienced at Middleton Cup level: a true Suffolk ‘great’. Fantastic to have you back, Kelvyn. All four players come into the team for what could be a crucial battle with a Norfolk side that will do its utmost to spoil our chances. Suffolk v Norfolk derbies are always passionate and highly competitive.

To the Officers of Suffolk, thank you for your support. We need you at Felixstowe on Saturday, being vocal and encouraging.

To the players, please invite your families, friends, we need a highly supportive ‘home’ atmosphere in which the crowd erupts when Suffolk bowlers play crucial shots. "

John Rednall

Middleton Cup Manager

MIDDLETON CUP: SUFFOLK TEAM TO PLAY NORFOLK THIS SATURDAY

D. Mann N. Reeder L. Harris D. Ramsbottom

M. Todd K. Earthroll S.Cook P. Last

M. Betts R. Claxton M. Euston M. Royal

C. Beeton A. Turner K.Leeks R.Leeder

R. Adams L.Calver L.Stevens E. Last

J.Burch G. Ward J.Rednall J. Sims

Please take this opportunity to come and support your County players in what is sure to be an exciting Middleton Cup match. The game starts at 11.00 am