Claygate still challenge at the top!
Claygate's 1st XI’s chase to become Surrey Downs Division One champions became more challenging this weekend...due to some poor fielding and catching!
Away at the Middle Road Recreation Ground in Brockham, the visitors batted first after losing the toss. The top order failed to click and Claygate were 56 for 4 after 15 overs. Newcomer Duminde Abeytunge (66) and Sahan Wijesekera (88) set about repairing the situation with a fifth wicket stand of 97. Sanjeewa Wijetunge adder another rapid 48* and with support from the tail, Claygate ended on 274 for 8 after 45 overs..
Against the old ball, Brockham started slowly and were 25 for no loss after 10 overs. With the introduction of the new ball however, two simple catches and two difficult catches were floored as the innings accelerated to 82 for 1 after 20 overs. Ellis (77 ) and Tipping (72) were involved in a 64 run second wicket stand which became the backbone of the Brockham innings. Two more catches were grounded as Claygate's bowlers laboured on a slow pitch with little success. Brockham though never challenged the target and were 209 for 5 after 40 overs. With a flurry of wickets after the 40th over, Claygate were in sight of an unlikely win, but a close stumping appeal was turned down and the home side ended on 231 for 8, Vikram Prabhakar (2-16 ),Sahan Wijesekera (2-41) and Nuwan Jayasena (2-83) were the successful bowlers.
As a result Claygate's lead at the top was reduced to just 4 points and they now face leaders North Holmwood in the penultimate league game at home this weekend in a must-win game
The 2nd XI are also very much in the hunt for promotion for Division Three. A covered pitch saved the day but the heavy rain reduced the game to 75 overs. Having won the toss and opting to bowl , Claygate reduced Old Woking to 145 for 7 in 40 overs, Justin Hannaford taking an excellent 2 for 17 from 10 overs, Seb Huff taking two important wickets and Joel Watkins 3 for 39.
In the gathering gloom at around 8pm and with just over 3 overs to spare, an unbroken partnership of 113 between Steve Salmon ( 48 not out) and Scott Labacik( 57 not out), saw Claygate home to win by 7 wickets. Claygate finished on 146 for 3 in just over 31 overs . Claygate started the day in 2nd place and the 28 points keeps up the chase for the title and/or promotion.
