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Seconds stay top as firsts are washed out!

The 2nd XI were the only Claygate team to play this weekend, continuing through and between the showers at Dalmore Avenue against Headley Old Freemans. But it was well worth it, as they registered their fourth win of the campaign to remain top of Division Three of the Surrey Downs League.

After the early loss of both openers, newcomer Scott Kanther and veteran Steve “Smokie” Salmon oozed class as they compiled the second biggest partnership ever by two Claygate batsmen, putting on 245 in 28 overs for the third wicket. But for the early declaration at 282 for 2 from 35 overs they would surely have broken the record of 248 set only last August by Ross Carmichael and Sahan Wijesekera.  It was only towards the end that there was any real big hitting as they stroked the ball around, hitting 31 fours and 8 sixes between them as  both reached maiden club hundreds to join the ‘big boys club’. Kanther also managed the feat of hitting four sixes off successive balls in one over that went for 29!

The declaration gave Claygate a theoretical 65 overs to bowl Headley out, but the weather was closing in fast. Claygate quickly reduced Headley to 53 for 7 but several showers held up further progress and with the tail wagging, time started to look a problem. Joel Watkins amply justified his selection with 4-28 and Steve Salmon also picked up two great catches in the gully. In a final effort to get the game finished, captain Peter Shury returned to take the last two wickets to wrap up the 39 point win.