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Taking a break: Sutton's Phil Sampson

Sutton Cricket Club skipper Keith Medlycott is hoping a break from cricket will entice opening bowler Phil Sampson back in to action later in the season.

The 27-year-old former Surrey pace man took 37 wickets in the Surrey Championship Premier League last season - including 9-31 against Farnham - as Medlycott's men finished fourth.

He claimed 52 victims in 2006 as Sutton lifted the title and his 42-year-old captain believes his contribution will leave large hole as they bid to repeat that feat at Gander Green Lane this summer.

"I would like to think Phil is just having a little break from the game because he has been working hard on a sports science degree," he said.

"Where he goes with his cricket is a decision only he can make and we won't push him.

"Hopefully, the rest will get him keen to come back ready to enjoy his cricket again.

"He has been the number one bowler in this league for the past two seasons and he will be hard to replace, but it offers the opportunity for someone else to come in."

Medlycott has refused to pay big money for an overseas professional to fill the void, preferring to rely on the young talent coming through the ranks.

Teenage leg spinner Sam Woods is set to make his first team debut at Dulwich on Saturday - despite being just 15 years old - while more will be expected of 16-year-old second XI bowler Muhunthan Harinath.

Harinath's older brother Arun, 21, will be hard pushed to find the time to play for Sutton this season as he bids for a starting slot with Surrey, having impressed for the MCC against Sussex in April.

Medlycott will be without experience batsman John Fry (knee) for the opening months of the campaign, which will see the game format altered to 50-over matches for the first four and last five games.

The former Surrey head coach believes it will only make the league more competitive and benefit the development of young talent.

And he pointed out it would not hinder his side's chances of challenging at the top of the table again this season.

"I think the change in format for the start of the season will make us all more rounded players," he added.

"With the limited-overs game you have the opportunity for players to express themselves in a different way.

"You are not going to see teams rely on one man bowling 20-over spells.

"I think it will level the playing field.

"I never enter a competition to come second or third and that won't change this year."

10:59am Friday 9th May 2008

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