Sutton - Third ODI

The Third ODI was held at Sutton Cricket Club in Surrey on Monday 27 August.

This club has a long history being established in 1857.

Framed photographs show memories of past games.

One photograph is of the Captain of the Club, G R Blades, with W G Grace.

It was therefore a fitting ground to stage the deciding game between Australia and England on the over 70s cricket tour.

 During this game we once agian caught up with many of the friendly wives of the England players that we had met throughout the tour.

Members of the two teams lined up for the team photos before the game.

The national anthems of the two countries were then sung.

The scorers were ready in their box and the game began.

Australia bowled first and England scored 6 for 251 off their 50 overs. Ron Kasputtis and Tom Wood each took two wickets while Phil Smith took one. There was also a run out. Robin did not play in this match. Andy Barnes top scored for England with 60 runs. This proved to be an exciting game with Australia needing to score six runs in the final over. However the final score for Australia was 9 for 247. Ian Petherick scored 140 runs. England therefore regained the Silver Ashes by winning two matches to one.

During the game, when I walked around the ground, I noticed a small building in the far corner.

When I investigated there was a sign confirming that this building was probably the first pavilion. Before then it had been the railway station for Sutton from 1845-1865.

One of the photos in the clubrooms shows the pavilion many years ago.

In the afternoon I went for a walk to explore the surrounding area. As it was a bank holiday it was relatively quiet.

Sutton appears to be well serviced by buses which ran regularly.

After the game the dinner was served in grand style - a fitting end to a great tour.