Welcome to Claygate Cricket Club

Away to Capel Claygate Firsts batted first and posted 198-8 in 48 overs. In-form Vikram Prabakhar (30), with a solid 30 from Russ Guyatt were the main scorers. In reply Capel's batters were always up with the clock, despite tidy bowling from Mark O'Connell (2-50). Capel scored 179-9 in 42 overs, leaving Claygate with the losing draw.

Second Eleven left-arm seamer Dave Page (5-27) was in devastating form, as Claygate invited Capel to bat first at Dalmore Avenue. Alan McKinley chipped in with 3-37, supported by some stunning catches, as Capel were skittled for 93 all out. Anthony Joseph (33) led the way as Claygate (97-4) cruised home easily - their 8th win in 11 games.

After victory over Stoke d'Abernon last week, the Sunday Firsts were in optimistic mood as they travelled south to Ashstead. However, on an easy batting track Claygate struggled to 123 all out. Only Ian Darke and Dan Wells, both with 26, made serious contributions. This was never enough, although newcomer Shuran took 2 wickets in a lively spell. Ashstead (127-3) won with overs to spare.

31st August / 1st September – Maiden century from Andrew Cecil

The highlight of Claygate's weekend was a magnificent maiden century by Andrew Cecil away to Westcott. Andrew's ton came in only 18 overs, including a towering straight-driven six clean over the nearby A25. Claygate Seconds have now been undefeated for ten consecutive games in the Surrey Downs League.

Away to Westcott Claygate League Seconds were invited to bat first, and got off to an excellent start with Anthony Joseph scoring 51. A storming 156-run partnership between Andrew Cecil (100) and Jamie Paul (53*) allowed Claygate to declare on 270-5 after 40 overs. When Westcott batted, Dave Page (3-80) bowled his left-arm seam with customary accuracy, and spinner Henry Vincent (3-46) got sharp turn and lift. Skipper Graham Dear rotated eight bowlers, but Westcott (186-8) hung on to give Claygate the winning draw.

Back at Dalmore Avenue the League Firsts posted 189-9 in 48 overs. Rapidly improving all-rounder Vikram Prabakhar top-scored with 52. Mohammed Khan (26) and Damien Ross (20) provided useful support. As so often, Mark O'Connell (2-50) was Claygate's most successful bowler, However Westcott's 181-5 in 42 overs meant that Claygate finished up with the losing draw.

In a traditional late-season friendly Claygate Sunday Firsts triumphed over local rivals Stoke d'Abernon. Claygate batted first and posted 175-7. Dick Murphy led the way with 59*, with Rufus Legg contributing 46. Claygate skipper Nigel Abbott was in ace bowling form with 4-42, supported by David Price (2-51). Stoke were dismissed for 101, to give Claygate a clear victory.

17th / 18th August – Claygate rapidly climb up both divisions of the Surrey Downs League

Claygate are rapidly climbing up both divisions of the Surrey Downs League, as their remarkable sequence of double-headed victories continue.

At Dalmore Avenue, League First XI skipper Ben Lane invited Ockham to bat first. Seamer Mark O'Connell (2-30) made early inroads. Spinners Mustafa Rauf (4-13) and Vikram Prabakhar (2-24) joined in, to dismiss Ockham for 116 all out. Even this modest total looked out of reach, as three top-order ducks had Claygate reeling on 30-5. However, a steady partnership between Mohammed Han (41) and Vikram Prabakhar (39*) took Claygate (117-7) to victory.

Down at Ockham Claygate League Seconds lost the toss, and fielded first in sweltering heat. Accurate left- and right-arm seam bowling from Dave Page (2-41) and Peter Shury (2-49) restricted Ockham to 195-6. A brisk opening stand of 66 between Anthony Joseph (42) and Des Cecil (22) put Claygate on a winning course. Acting-skipper Rufus Legg hit a powerful 57, before a massive six from Jamie Paul gave Claygate (197-7) victory with an over to spare.

Sunday the First XI entertained Surrey Cryptics for a traditional friendly fixture. On an uneven Dalmore Avenue track Peter Andrews with a jug-avoiding 47 and Mark O'Connell (25) gave Claygate a solid start. Russell Davis (57*) and Rufus Legg (39) accelerated, to allow Claygate to declare on 228-7. Skipper Nigel Abbott cunningly rotated seam and spin, using nine different bowlers. However none could make the decisive breakthrough, and Cryptics (203-6) hung on for the draw.

10th / 11th August – Claygate's mid-season winning streak in the Surrey Downs League continues.

Away to South Nutfield, Claygate First XI invited the home side to bat. A fiery opening spell from quickies Mark O'Connell (2-40) and skipper Ben Lane (2-11) had South Nutfield in early difficulty. An excellent 4-20 from left-arm spinner Vikram Prabakhar kept up the pressure, and South Nutfield were dismissed for 142. When Claygate batted, in-form Simon Bushell contributed 56. Dick Murphy (35*) and Mohammed Han (32) took Claygate (143-5) to a 5-wicket victory.

The Second XI, rock-bottom of the table in June, continued their spectacular improvement by beating League leaders South Nutfield at Dalmore Avenue. The visiting batsmen had no answer to the in-swing of Dave Page (4-33) and the left-arm spin of Chris Chance (4-35), and were all out for just 75. After a two-hour break for rain, Claygate (76-6) raced to a 4-wicket win in soggy conditions, thanks mainly to Alan McKinley's confident 34.

On Sunday the Firsts visited Old Paulines, who batted first. After a runaway start, Claygate turned to spin. Tidy off-breaks from Dick Murphy (4-28) established some control. Leggie Des Cecil (2-11) removed the tail, to dismiss Old Paulines for 155. This look an easy target for Claygate's batting line-up, powerful-looking on paper at least. However, only Rufus Legg (27) and Scott Labacik (25) offered serious resistance, as Claygate were bowled out for 118.

The Sunday Seconds were away to Temple Sheen, who powered to 209-2. Pete Hartnell (2-23) was the only successful bowler. In reply, Rory O'Malley (30) and skipper Dave Williams (23*) batted well, but Claygate were all out for 128.

27th / 28th July – Rufus Legg, hero of the weekend

Claygate’s hero of the weekend was batter Rufus Legg, with a magnificent 145 runs in two matches.

On Saturday the Seconds continued their winning streak in the Surrey Downs League. Nutfield posted 185-9. Wickets fell to Claygate's spinners Chris Chance (4-71) and Henry Vincent (2-16). Rufus Legg's imposing 83 put Claygate well on course for victory. The next highest scorer was young Jamie Henderson (15), while wickets tumbled. Last man, skipper Graham Dear, went in with 3 runs still needed. He and young Steve McKinley (12*) held their nerves to give Claygate (189-9) the win.

Away to Nutfield the Firsts notched up 188-9 in 47 overs. Dick Murphy top-scored on 56, with Russell Davis hitting 25. When Nutfield batted, Mustafa (4-54), Scott Labacik (2-29) and Vikram Prabakhar (2-52) all made inroads. However Nutfield scrambled the winning draw by a single run off the last ball, with 173-8 off 43 overs.

Sunday's regular First XI home fixture against Australia House fizzled out in a tame draw. The Aussies batted on for too long before declaring on a massive 286-6. Chris Howe (3-58) was the pick of the Claygate bowlers. Despite another excellent knock from Rufus Legg (62), Claygate were always well behind the clock. Chris Howe (40) and Dick Murphy (30) contributed, as Claygate finished on 162-5.

Away to Burgh Heath the Sunday Seconds declared on 131-9 - Tilley (34) and Rory O'Malley (25). Pace from Ben Seabrook (3-9) and seam from Pete Hartnell (2-22) reduced Burgh Heath to 103-9, as they hung on for the draw.

20th / 21st July – Claygate Continues excellent run of mid-season form

Claygate’s excellent run of mid-season form in the Surrey Downs League continued with professionally-executed double victories over Ockley. Both League sides have now won four out of their last five matches

Ockley elected to bat against Claygate Firsts, and were skittled for a paltry 42. Ace seamer Mark O’Connell was in devastating form with a tally of 6-11. At the other end skipper Ben Lane picked up 2-13. Claygate’s openers Dassan (21*) and Kanishka (21*) knocked of the runs in only 6 overs, to give Claygate a comprehensive 10-wicket victory.

Down at Ockley, Claygate’s Seconds batted first. An opening partnership between Anthony Joseph (22) and Rufus Legg (23) gave Claygate a sound start. Des Cecil (27) consolidated, and a cameo 25 from Shane Ismail took the total up to a respectable 146-9. Ockley were always struggling on a dry wicket against a Claygate spin battery. Anthony Joseph (4-20) Chris Chance (3-42) and Peter Shury (2-15) shared the wickets. Ockley were bowled out for 112, leaving Claygate the winners by 34 runs.

On Sunday, Claygate’s First XI batters struggled against a powerful Oxshott pace attack on a bouncy Steels Road track, despite gutsy defiance from a bruised Rufus Legg. From a near hopeless 65-7, the tail wagged effectively. Matt Wells (24), Henry Vincent (30) and Ben Lane (41) took the total to a challenging 216. Oxshott became becalmed, as skipper Ian Darke cunningly marshalled Claygate’s devious spin attack (Henry Vincent 2-40). In an exciting game Oxshott finally won by 5 wickets with 6 balls to spare

13th / 14th July - Claygate enjoyed another successful weekend in the Surrey Downs League.

The League Firsts were inserted by Newdigate on a damp Dalmore Avenue track, and fought their way to 155. Russell Davis top-scored on 36, supported by Russ Guyatt (26) and Vikram Prabakhar (22). Quickie Mark O’Connell was in devastating form when Newdigate batted. He claimed 6-19, with spinner Prabakhar taking 3-24. Newdigate were dismissed for 110, leaving Claygate the comfortable winners.

Away at Newdigate all the Claygate League Seconds batsmen contributed. Anthony Joseph led with an elegant 54, with Rufus Legg (40), Chris Chance (36), Eddie Miles (30) and Jamie Paul (25) helping Claygate to 216-5. This was always too much for Newdigate, as Dave Page’s deceptive left-arm swing took 5-50. Only some dropped catches allowed Newdigate (186-7) to hold out, as Claygate notched up a winning draw.

It was a less happy story on Sunday, as both teams lost to Leatherhead. The Firsts restricted Leatherhead to 192-9. Abbott father and son combo Nigel (2-27) and Kerry (3-31) were the most successful bowlers. When Claygate batted they lost early wickets, until a sound partnership between Matt Wells (49) and Joris Nathanson (33) lent some respectability. However, a familiar collapse followed, and Claygate were all out for 120.

Back at Dalmore Avenue the Seconds amassed 169 all out, largely due to an opening stand between Chris Howe (51) and Rory O’Malley (36), backed by Luke Webb (33). Leatherhead’s batsmen had to work hard against Chris Howe (4-44) and Pete Hartnell (3-36), before scrambling the winning run (170-8) with one ball remaining.

6th / 7th July - Claygate enjoyed another successful weekend in the Surrey Downs League.

29th / 30th June - The highlight of Claygate’s weekend was a hard-fought home win for the League Seconds against North Holmwood in the Surrey Downs League.

Claygate’s bowlers struck early, with an excellent spell of left-arm seam from Dave Page (4-49). Left-arm spinner Chris Chance claimed 3-45. North Holmwood’s batsmen recovered, but were held to 164-9. This looked a distant total, as Claygate’s batsmen in reply lost 2 wickets in the first over without a run on the board. A mercurial 33 from Eddie Miles supported by a staunch 26 from Ian Darke put Claygate back on track. However the real batting heroes were bowlers Chris Chance (48*) and Dave Page (16*). Their unbeaten eighth-wicket stand took Claygate (165-7) to a welcome victory.

Away at Blackheath’s lovely ground in the North Downs the Sunday Firsts likewise suffered early batting disasters against a lively Blackheath seam attack. A stubborn middle order partnership between Ian Darke (45) and Des Cecil (21) recovered the initiative. A sparkling 23 from Steve Wells finally took Claygate to a just-respectable 141-9. Faced with a Claygate all-spin attack, Blackheath’s batsmen were always under pressure. Roger Welsh (5-51) and Steve Wells (4-38) shared the wickets, helped by some outstanding catches in the deep from Joris Nathanson, Matt Wells and Peter Andrews. In the gathering darkness Blackheath (142-9) scrambled the winning run, in a thrilling game where cricket was the victor.

22nd / 23rd June - The highlight of Claygate’s weekend was an emphatic win for the Sunday Seconds away to Concorde – their first of the season.

Claygate’s bowlers struck early, and reduced Concorde to 94 all out. Seamer Luke Webb took 2-14, while Pete Hartnell claimed 3-6, including a 3-wicket maiden. Claygate (96-4) knocked off the runs easily. Chris Howe top-scored with 44*.

The Sunday Firsts home match against Caterham was overshadowed by a horrific-looking hand injury to young Dan Wells, now happily on the mend. Caterham’s batsmen were always on top, as they cruised to 276-3. In reply Ian Darke (25) and Joris Nathanson (23) gave Claygate a solid platform. However the middle order crumbled. A valiant stand between keeper Phil Lewis (23) and Scott Labacik (40) could not save the game. Claygate were dismissed for 156.

For the first time in their Surrey Downs League season the League Firsts stumbled against East Horsley, who amassed 233-3. Richard Waller scored 58 for Claygate. However, they could only achieve a losing draw, finishing on 170-9.

Away to East Horsley the League Seconds bowled and fielded well to hold Horsley to 156-7. Father and son spinning combo Alan and Steve McKinley took 2-17 and 3-47. Rufus Legg (28) gave Claygate a sound start, before a familiar middle order collapse. A breezy 29 from Suranjan Cooray was not enough as Claygate were bowled out for 106.

15th / 16th June - Another good week for Claygate in the Surrey Downs League, with the League Firsts clocking up a win against Kingswood & Reigate

On a difficult away track Claygate’s bowlers reduced Kingswood & Reigate to 98-9. Seamers Mark O’Connell (2-30) and Scott Labacik (2-37) did the early damage, with spinner Mustafa collecting 2-12. When Claygate batted they also found conditions hard. Vikram Prabakhar top-scored with 23, as Claygate reached 99-7 and yet another victory.

At home on an equally slow Dalmore Avenue wicket the League Seconds struggled to 134-8. After an early collapse Des Cecil (31*) held the middle order together, while Chris Chance (28) attacked from the other end. In reply Kingswood & Reigate looked on course for victory. However a marathon 17 overs for only 27 runs from Peter Shury, and some tidy spin from Des Cecil (3-19) held them to 126-5.

The Sunday Firsts away to Old Woking invited the home side to bat first and watched them compile an opening stand of 150. Despite some cunning off-spin from Ian Darke (3-12), they were able to declare on 212-5. In reply Claygate’s Joris Nathanson hit a stylish 23 and Ben Lane a powerful 40, but it was not enough. Claygate (118-8) managed to hang on for a draw.

The Sunday Seconds contained Hersham to 157-7, with Luke Webb (2-27) and Chris Howe (2-17) the pick of the bowlers. Claygate’s batting, despite resistance from Chris Howe (23) and Luke Webb (21), collapsed to 122 all out.

8th / 9th June -"Claygate Firsts clocked up another convincing win in the Surrey Downs League, maintaining their unbeaten record for the season.

Visitors Horsley & Send batted first on a slow Dalmore Avenue track, and struggled to 135 all out. Seamer Mark O’Connell (3-41) and left arm spinner Vikram Prabakhar (3-33) were the pick of Claygate’s bowlers. In reply Damien Ross (25) and Dassan (24) gave Claygate a good foundation. An unbroken partnership between Russell Davis (42*) and skipper Ben Lane (21*) took Claygate (136-5) to a comfortable 5 wickets win.

The League Seconds were invited to bat first at Horsley & Send’s splendid new ground. Again the track was slow, water having seeped under the covers. Suranjan Cooray (43) led the way, as Claygate compiled a patient 128 all out in their allotted 45 overs. In reply Horsley & Send’s batters got off to a flying start, as the Claygate bowlers failed to find length and direction. A tidy spell from spinner Des Cecil (2-16) pinned the batsmen down, but too late. Horsley & Send (129-4) won by 6 wickets.

The Sunday fixtures were washed out."

1st / 2nd June -Claygate’s Sunday Firsts under acting skipper Scott Labacik enjoyed a splendid away win against Bagshot.

Claygate’s batsmen took up the challenge of Bagshot’s imposing total of 232-6. Dick Murphy (41) and Des Cecil (21) gave the innings a sound platform, before Rufus Legg (57) and Dan Wells (20) accelerated. A brilliant unbeaten partnership between Vikram Prabakhar (43*) and young Chris Howe (18*) took Claygate (233-6) to victory with 2 balls to spare.

Back at Claygate the Seconds held Magdalen to 184, with Ben Seabrook (4-51) and Peter Shury (2-27) the pick of the bowlers. Mark O’Connell (39) and Keith Ellis (24) batted well for Claygate, who were dismissed for 135.

The League Firsts clocked up another winning draw, away to Headley Old Freemans in the Surrey Downs League. Damien Ross (63), skipper Ben Lane (54) and Mark O’Connell (25) starred in Claygate’s total of 200-8. Vikram Prabakhar (3-41) and Mark O’Connell (2-28) led the attack, as Headley hung on with 156-8.

At home the League Seconds held Headley to 152-6, with spinner Alan McKinley taking 3-43. Despite a dogged 12-over last wicket stand between father/son combo Graham and Jake Dear, Claygate crashed to 97 all-out.

25th / 26th May -Claygate’s First XI enjoyed a comfortable winning draw over Shere in the Surrey Downs League

Invited to bat first at Dalmore Avenue, Claygate cruised to an imposing 215-7 in their allotted overs. Newcomer Dasun top-scored with 74, well supported by Damien Ross (41) and Russ Guyatt (29). Skipper Ben Lane closed the innings with a brutal 26 in 7 shots.

When Shere batted, Ben Lane was again in the action. His quickies claimed 3-22. Left-arm spinner Vikram Prabakhar (2-24), seamer Mark O’Connell (2-26) and Mustafa (2-39) shared the remaining wickets. Shere just survived with 139-9, to give Claygate the winning draw.

The weather put paid to Sunday’s fixtures."

18th / 19th May -Claygate’s Surrey Downs League programme had a blank weekend

The Sunday Firsts travelled to Horsham’s lovely county ground for a Sunday friendly. Faced with a youthful Horsham team of Championship players and colts, supported by their South African professional, Claygate skipper Nigel Abbott wisely invited the opposition to bat first. This was a chastening experience, as the Horsham stars flayed the Claygate bowling to all parts of the ground and beyond in their 255-2. Spinner Roger Welsh was the only bowler to claim a victim, with the other wicket falling to a direct hit run-out from Ben Lane.

Claygate got off to a breezy opening partnership of 49 from Ian Darke (23) and Joris Nathanson (20). Wickets then tumbled, until Des Cecil (36) and Dan Wells (18) frustrated Horsham’s attack with a patient stand of 61. Once they were out, the end was near. Despite a belligerent 19* from Roger Welsh, Claygate were dismissed for 141.

11th / 12th May -Claygate’s Surrey Downs League season opened on a low note.

Away to West End Esher Claygate’s League Firsts bowlers struggled. Only Mark O’Connell with 2-70 made an impression, as West End stormed to 245-5. In reply Claygate could only manage 110-7 in a losing draw. Russell Davis (20) Mustafa (18*), Russ Guyatt (18) and skipper Ben Lane (18) all started, but could not consolidate.

It was much the same story for the League Seconds on a slow Dalmore Avenue track. Claygate started well with a bright partnership between Rufus Legg (31) and Sri Lankan Anthony Joseph. However, the innings tailed away, despite a breezy knock from Paul Antell (30) and stubborn resistance from skipper Graham Dear. Claygate were dismissed for 111. Suddenly the track seemed easier, as West End’s batsmen (112-2) knocked off the runs for the loss of only 2 wickets.

unday Firsts skipper Nigel Abbott, with a truly veteran Claygate side including seven 50+ year olds, decided to insert a youthful Honor Oak. The visitors, undeterred by another slow Claygate track, got off to a flying start. Claygate’s veterans fielded manfully, with 60 year old Dave Powell clinging on to 2 sharp catches. Rufus Legg, standing in for injured keeper Phil Lewis, pulled off a stunning leg-side stumping, and Ross Webb took a brilliant catch running backwards. Spin duo Steve Wells (2-23) and Dick Murphy slowed the run rate, but Honor Oak still reached 200-6. For Claygate Ben Lane (31), Scott Labacik (33*), Dave Powell (16) and Des Cecil (15) all made contributions, but not enough. Claygate held out for a draw on 127-8, at least maintaining their unbeaten record for the season.

2005

2004

2003

2002

<< Click on Years >>