Sampson return makes for stronger Sutton (From Wimbledon Guardian)

Sampson return makes for stronger Sutton

4:14pm Tuesday 3rd June 2008 in Sport By Stuart Amos

Skipper Keith Medlycott is confident the return of former Surrey bowler Phil Sampson can save Sutton's season.

Medlycott's men are bottom of the Surrey Championship Premier Division table with four defeats out of four.

Despite chasing just 149 for victory on Saturday, they fell 11 runs short against Guildford at Cheam Road.

Sampson, who is studying for a sports science degree at Roehampton University, had told the Gander Green Lane chief he was not available this year because he needed a break for the game.

But 27-year-old, who has taken 89 wickets in his past two seasons, including a career best haul of 9-31, returned to the starting line-up for Saturday's match - picking up 3-29.

Medlycott hopes the move becomes permanent and signals a return to form for his struggling side.

"We have been short of wickets and have been fractionally off the pace as other sides have started stronger than us," he said.

"It is great news to have him back. Fifty wickets a season is a difficult gap to fill and the side looks five times stronger with him in it.

"I like winners in my team and, if I am honest, I have probably picked a couple of players in the team this season who don't have that mentality.

"It has been a disappointing start, but I think a run of good results will turn things around for us very quickly."