Saders look to build on solid start By Chad Dyer Crusaders Cricket Club is looking to build upon a solid start to its season as it take on reigning Bannerman Shield champion, the Vipers. "It was an excellent result overall. So obviously I'm delighted. It's important to start well and to beat those team we're expected to," said satisfied club president Joshua Ritchie. The president-cum-wristie was instrumental in the demolition of a lethargic Sticky Wickets Bannerman Shield outfit, claiming a fifer in the second innings. His wickets included the crucial scalps of Thornton and Petrucci, both of whom had accumulated solid starts. Ritchie nonsensed talk from various clubs that his performance was a fluke. "Taking 5-fers in the second innings is what I'm known for. Those people that doubt my ability are just ignorant." The Vipers will provide much sterner opposition for the ambitious saders, and Ritchie was quick to note that there was improvement needed ahead of the behemoth of a task. "We need to see some of the starts converted. We can't afford to just get 50's against the Vipers. Removing the dropped catches is also high on the agenda." The club has seemingly weathered the scandal involving star pacer Jonny Ridd. The strike bowler was accused by numerous sources of sending messages to the Vipers players, informing them about positional information. In a statement last night, Ritchie informed the press that the scandal was a result of sensationalist journalism and that the messages were actually meant for the eyes of English football star John Terry. He also confirmed that they did not contain any Crusaders tactics or information. When asked what Ridd would be sending to Terry with regards to positions, Ritchie shrugged and said, "That's none of your business, nor mine." Ridd refused to comment, as did Terry, although the Chelsea star did say that he hoped Ridd would keep up his "sexual performances" of the previous week. Saders fast bowler Jonny Ridd watches on in awe of John Terry at a Chelsea FC practice session.
