Wanderers on verge of promotion dream (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Wanderers on verge of promotion dream

9:46am Wednesday 17th August 2011 in Cricket By Stuart Amos

Malden Wanderers skipper Giles Puckle says his men are out to secure Surrey Championship Division One promotion in record breaking fashion.

The Cambridge Avenue outfit had Matthew Birrell’s 145 to thank for piling up 317 runs as they hammered struggling Pyrford by 226 runs on Saturday.

It stretched Wanderers’ unbeaten run to 13 games, leaving them just one point from a return to the top-flight.

And Puckle, whose men travel to winless Cobham Avorians on Saturday, has urged his men to keep doing what they do best.

“In my time, I don’t think we’ve ever gone 13 games unbeaten. I imagine that is some sort of record,” he said.

“Since the first two games of the season, we have played excellent cricket and we just need to keep that going for another week.”

Australian star Birrell’s innings set up the win, but it was Simon Crampton (4-15) who supplied the knockout punch, as Pyrford crumbled to 91 all-out.