2004 Match Reports |
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11th/12th September - League Double for Claygate CC Claygate 1st XI beat Shere by 7 wickets to become Surrey Downs League 1st Division champions for 2004. About 90 minutes later, news filtered through from other results that the 2nd XI had also become champions, for the second year running. In the 1st XI home match, Shere won the toss and scored 196 all out with Ben Lane superb outswing, taking 4 for 49 from 13 overs (including a stunning one-handed, diving Caught & Bowled) and Babur Zaheeruddin taking 4 for 35 from 8. Babur finished the season as the Saturday 1st XI's leading wicket taker and top of the bowling averages with 36 wickets at 11.58 apiece. Claygate replied with 201 for 3 from 32.2 overs, with another classy 35 from the club's leading batsman, Sunny Mahajan, and an excellent match-winning 111 not out from Raza Khan, which secured 38 points and the league victory. The 1st XI finished the season with 12 wins, 3 losses, 1 winning draw and 2 rained off matches - a points total of 524 points, with 2nd placed Westcott, 497 pts, Brockam Green 3rd on 438 pts and Headley Old Freemens 4th on 379 pts. The 2nd XI's consistent domination of matches between wins and winning draws ensured they had the points of the board when the chasing pack of Newdigate, West End and Nutfield closed in in the final matches, but were unable to secure sufficient points from their respective draws and Claygate won by 2 points! Claygate finished on 363 pts, Newdigate on 361 points, West End 353, Nutfield 345, Tadworth 342 and East Horsley 338 - the closest finish in years. Claygate are building on this success with the creation of a 3rd XI for 2005. Dillon Woods
4th/5th September - All down to the final games! A good grasp of mathematics and a strong nerve are the two elements required by Claygate as the Surrey Downs season reaches its conclusion next weekend, as neither of their two league sides clinched championship success this weekend. The nerves now need to hold steady for the final games of the season next Saturday. Following defeat at Nutfield on Saturday, the 1st‘s now need 12 points from their final game against Shere to take the title. On a perfect batting track, Claygate came within a whisker of the title, but were bowled out 15 runs short of Nutfield’s impressive total of 266. Batting first Nutfield scored quickly and fluently. Babur Zaheerudin and Vikram Prabhakar each took four wickets and Mark O’Connell a tight 2 for 17. In reply, Russell Davis continued his good form with 80 and Chris Howe 34, but the Dalmore Avenue side finished just short, leaving the season alive and kicking for another 7 days. The 2nds had a winning draw, despite having flayed the Nutfield bowling for 271 in just 30 overs. Returning from injury, Alan McKinley scored a superb 121, with Dinesh Reid (61 not out) and James McPhail (74) also crashing the ball around the ground. Claygate with 60 overs to bowl out the visitors looked victory bound, but the Nutfield side resisted all attempts at prising them out and scored at just over 2 an over to reach 129/8 at the close. Claygate desperately needed the victory as the last games’ of the season could well see them taking second spot instead.
28th/29th August - Claygate close in on title A maximum points victory over Old Woking on Saturday has taken Claygate to within two matches of achieving the championship in the Surrey Downs league this season. As leaders, and with a game in hand on nearest rivals Westcott, the Dalmore Avenue side are now clear favourites to take the title. In autumnal conditions on Saturday, Claygate batted first and put a big total of 249 for 9 on the board, thanks to a fifth wicket stand of 112 by Russell Davis who finished on 75 and Ben Lane contributing 55. In reply, Old Woking saw off Claygate’s opening attack but then Mark O’Connell and Ben Lane pinned them back and the visitors steadily lost wickets, particularly to Lane who completed an excellent afternoon’s performance with figures of 5 for 30. Raza Khan weighed in at the end with 3 for 13 from 4 overs sending Old Woking back to the dressing room with 127 on the board and a victory of 122 runs. The seconds also gave themselves an outside chance of the top spot with a maximum point victory, also against Old Woking at Woking. Four other sides are in contention at the top of the table and bonus points will have a major impact next weekend. Batting first, Claygate posted 203 all out with spin bowler Chris Chance impressing with the bat with 78 and Anthony Joseph 42. But it was Kicabal who turned in his bowling performance of the season with superb figures of 6 for 34, which knocked over the home side. Peter Shury supported with 3 for 19. On Sunday both sides lost. The 1st’s played old rivals Stoke D’Abernon and on a wet wicket and batting first, compiled a disappointing 148 - Dinesh Reid top scoring with 42. Stoke reached the total with 7 overs to spare with 7 wickets in hand. The seconds had a closer game against Old Woking loosing by 20 runs. Batting first the visitors made 219 with Justin Hannaford taking 3 wickets and Des Cecil two. In reply, Claygate finished on 199 with the Wells brothers both making useful contributions - skipper Matt with 39 and Dan 42. Also in the difficult drizzly conditions on Sunday, Claygate won a six-a-side, five overs each competition at West End Esher. Eight local teams were involved and Claygate under the captaincy of Mark O’Connell won through the first group with victories against West End, Weybridge and Surrey Lions. In the final, against West End Esher, Claygate were set 62 and won with an over to spare with Tom McKinley outstanding and Chris Howe hitting the winning runs.
21st/22nd August - Claygate look well placed for league title Claygate powered to the top of the Surrey Downs league with a win against leaders Westcott, leaving themselves 17 points clear with 1 game in hand. Batting first, Claygate started poorly and at 55 for 5 the game looked an uphill struggle. However two fine stands rescued the innings with Ben Lane (35) and Vikram Prabhakar (33) partnering 19-year-old Chris Howe who hit a powerful 81. Claygate declared on 216 for 9. Mark O’Connell and Ben Lane stifled the Westcott batting taking wickets at regular intervals. O’Connell finished with a superb 4 for 24 and Ben Lane and Chris Howe each bagged two. Behind the stumps, Joris Nathanson also pulled off the catch-of-the-season with a fine one-handed diving catch. Claygate produced an excellent all-round performance, which bodes well for the final few games of the season and the prize of the top spot. Also against Westcott, the Saturday seconds posted another winning draw ending their chances of being champions for the second season in a row. Batting first Claygate made a useful 220 for 7, with Rufus Legg 50 and Alan McKinley 34. In reply, Westcott finished on 187 for 9, managing to hold out for the final overs. Dave Page and Scott Labacik were the bowling stars - Page’s 4 for 48 started with 7 successive maidens and Labacik’s 2 for 12 finished with 5 maidens. Chris Chance also continued a fine season with another 2-wicket haul. On Sunday, the Sunday 1st’s had a comprehensive 140 run victory against Clapham Old Xavierians. Batting first, Claygate scored an impressive 235 for 6, Jamie Henderson continuing an excellent season with a superb 81, well supported by Henry Vincent, 48, and Rufus Legg, 34. After tea, Claygate demolished the visitors for 95, with skipper Nigel Abbott recording a Claygate career-best 6 for 33, French and Prabhakar each taking 2 wickets and good catching from Ian Darke at slip. The Sunday 2nd’s also won against Whitely Village. Batting first appeared to be the formula of the weekend with the Dalmore Avenue side finishing on 182 - Joel Watkins 29, Chris White 28 and Gareth Dutton 26, Whitley Village reached 168, with man-of-the-match 15-year-old Joel Watkins taking three wickets and Justin Hannaford three. Excellent fielding allowed Claygate to pressure the home side ending with a fine 14 run victory.
13th/14th August - Claygate continue the challenge Claygate Saturday firsts continued their championship challenge this weekend with a tight win against Horsley and Send on a wicket that made batting extraordinarily difficult. Batting first, Claygate managed only 108 of which newcomer Raza Khan made a notable 51. Normally at this stage of the season such a score would be an easy target. However, on a wicket that was giving the bowlers every help, Claygate imposed them on the Horsley side sending them all back to the dressing room for an even lower scoring 76. Mark Connell (4 for 35) and Ben Lane (3-21) bowled cleverly using the conditions to best effect. Newcomer Raza Khan weighed in with a useful 3 -15. Man of the match however was Joris Nathanson behind the stumps. His six dismissals in the innings established a new club record. Claygate still have the possibility of a double in the league, but the seconds lost a ground this week, with a winning draw in the reverse fixture against Horsley. Claygate made a useful 248 - 4 with Dick Murphy 78, Rufus Legg 48 and Anthony Joseph 50 not out. In reply, Claygate failed to dismiss the home side but had them well on the back foot at 140-6- Chris Chance taking 4 for 48. On Sunday, the first lost to regular visitors Surrey Cryptics, just falling to hang on in the gathering gloom of the shortening evenings. Cryptics posted a useful 254 for 7 with Chris Howe, Nigel Abbott and Dick Murphy each picking up 2 wickets. But a significant number of catches were grounded in a poor fielding performance. After a brisk start, the Claygate middle order suffered a collapse and despite a stubborn last wicket partnership, which held on to within 3 overs, Claygate lost by over 100 runs - Rufus Legg carrying his bat with 38 not out. The Sunday seconds had a narrow margin victory away to Chadwick. Claygate’s 204 for 5 included a century partnership between Matt Wells and Tom Law, each in the process making a half century. Claygate managed to polish off the home side with just 9 runs to spare. Justin Hannaford returned excellent figures of 4 for 29, Steve Wells took 2 wickets and there were some excellent catches from Mark Brand and Peter Hartnell.
6th/7th August - Claygate’s twin challenge continues Both of Claygate’s teams in the Surrey Downs League took maximum points from their games on Saturday keeping a challenge at the top of both 1st and 2nd Divisions, with the firsts now in the box seat for the title, with a game in hand on challengers - Westcott and Tadworth. On the hottest day of the cricketing summer, skipper Dillon Woods won the toss and chose to bat. Sunny Mahajan took the game to the opposition right from the off and hit a terrific century - ending on 122 and contributing nearly half of the massive Claygate total of 275-7 from 40 overs. In reply, the Reigate visitors - South Park Manor - looked in trouble with a couple of wickets down quickly, but the middle order slowed progress before Claygate broke through and had the visitors all out for 127. All the Claygate bowlers performed well, but Vikram Prabakar 4-35, Babur Zaheerudin 3-25 and Chris Howe 2 for 5 were the wicket takers. Claygate took a maximum 40 points from the fixture. The 2nd’s played the reverse fixture at South Park and almost had a carbon copy of the firsts match, also winning the toss and electing to bat. All Claygate batsmen were in form flaying a weak South Park attack with Jamie Henderson 85 not out, Manesh 50, Dinesh 43 and James McPhail knocking a rapid 30. In reply, South Park lost quick wickets before putting up middle order resistance, before Dinesh (3-18) and Chris Chance (4-43) broke through, taking 7 wickets in just 3 overs and ending up with a victory of well of over 100 runs. On Sunday, on an excellent batting wicket at Old Pauline’s, 500 runs were scored in the afternoon for the loss of just 8 wickets. After a positive start from Richard Waller (31) and Rufus Legg (32) Jamie Henderson went on to score another big not out innings of the weekend (70 not out) and Ian Darke an excellent 80. Claygate finishing on 259-3 from 40 overs. Claygate’s bowlers toiled in the hot conditions, but the home side earned the draw, finishing 40 runs short on 230 for 3 with Dick Murphy having an excellent spell of 2 for 62. The 2nds rounded up an excellent weekend for Claygate with a 6-wicket victory against Kew. After an opening stand of 160, Kew finished on 219- 3 with Toby Vale taking two wickets at the end. Claygate scored fluently with rapidly improving Australian Mark Brand making his second century of the season to finish on 117. Support came from Steve Wells (26) and Ben Vincent (33) and Claygate reached 220 for the lost of 6 wickets. Also last week, the weather enforced a 20/20 format game against Oxshott . Teenager Tom McKinley scored 30 quick runs at the end to give Claygate the victory.
Claygate’s cricket week success A six by a 16 year old to win the match, a hatrick by a batsman, and some massive six hitting were some of the champagne moments from a Claygate cricket week blessed with excellent weather, and which proved one of the most successful in years with three wins from four games. The week started with Claygate’s ‘corporate’ day, a light-hearted hard-hitting event, which proved such a highly successful formula last year. After a day in the sun, the Kwik Cricket fathers won the day - with captain Russ Guyatt, normally a top order batsman in the league side performing the hat trick. On Tuesday, Claygate set up the first of their three victories in the week against guest’s Carnegie - the south London side with the Caribbean flavour. Batting first, Carnegie made a useful 205 with three runs outs and two wickets each from Dick Murphy, Cowshie and Nic French. After a solid performance from Claygate in reply, and Nick French hitting an excellent 52 not out, Sri Lankan guest Cowshi scored 30 off just 9 balls to bring victory with just 4 wickets down. The only defeat of the week was against East Horsley on Wednesday. Horsley posted 259 for 7 with Tom McKinley performing best with the ball - 3 for 54. In reply Claygate were all out, 22 runs short, Jamie Henderson making 54. Thursday saw a victory against local rivals Stoke. Stoke making 223 all out and Peter Shury claiming 4 for 47. Claygate won by 3 wickets with Simon Bushell stroking a fine 71 and with four needed off the final ball, 16-year-old Jake Dear hit a six to cover himself with personal glory and take the day for Claygate. The week finished with another victory, this time against Sunbury. Sunbury knocked -up 216 for 5 - with Chris Howe and David Price taking 2 wickets apiece. Claygate reached the total with 7 wickets down - Chris Howe hitting a forceful 45, Jamie Henderson 39 and Jake Dear helping another victory - not out 16. On Saturday, it was a break in the Surrey Downs league where Claygate are lying very favourably just behind Westcott, but having played one game less. There is water now between Claygate and Tadworth in third place who have also played the same number of games. Instead of a league fixture on Saturday, Claygate hosted a touring under-19 Indian side before they headed to the Midlands and Yorkshire for the remainder of their tour. Playing in familiar temperatures, their talent and strength was clear and Claygate lost by xx runs. On Sunday the 1st’s lost in the penultimate over against Mpingwi a strong Pakistani side with an African name. Batting first and after a slow start Claygate made a respectable 190 with a forceful 66 from Chris Howe being the key to the innings, backed up with good knocks from Jamie Paul (29) and Mark O’Connell (24 n.o) After reaching 88 off the first 10 overs for the loss of just one wicket, Mpingwi were cruising, but a fine fight back led by Dick Murphy (3-31) and Ben Lane (3 for 55) took the game to within a couple of overs of the end, with 9 wickets down the visitors won by just 1 wicket. The 2nd X1 drew against Ockham. Claygate made 177 for 9 with Matt Wells on 62 and 21 year old Tom Law 35. Having been 35 for 5 at one point, Ockham recovered to reach 139 for 8 with Justin Hannaford taking 3 for 45 and Steve Wells 2 for 31.
10/11th July - Claygate’s win in the rain moves them clear at the top A 6 wicket win against local rivals Esher West End this Saturday has moved Claygate 24 points clear at the top of the Surrey Downs League. With 11 league matches now played, the Dalmore Avenue side are now 24 pts clear of Westcott and 26 clear of Tadworth who have one game in hand. In a rain-reduced match, stand-in skipper Scott Labacik led Claygate to a very important victory notching up 37 valuable points in the process. West End won the toss and themselves needing a maximum point victory to stay in touch with the league leaders, surprisingly chose to bat. With pressure bowling from the opening pair Babur Zaheeruddin and Mark O'Connell, a stranglehold was imposed by Claygate from which West End never recovered. O’Connell bowled superbly using the favourable bowling conditions to best effect and ploughed through West End's top order with 5 for 34 from 12 overs. Claygate's pressure was made in part by excellent fielding, most notably from Russ Davis at gully, Damian Ross at mid-on, Azly Hamin behind the stumps and a good run out by Chris Howe. West End reached 110 all out. In reply, on a difficult wicket, Sunny Mahajan and Chris Howe responded admirably with the top partnership of the match of 55 runs, to set up a 6-wicket victory with 8 overs to spare, Mahajan top scoring with 39 not out, continuing his superb batting form. Club skipper Dillon Woods commented, “ Were very pleased with the progress that we’ve made this season. Availability is important for all clubs at this stage of the seasons but it looks good from that perspective at the moment and was very confident at the moment. Elsewhere the rain affected other Claygate games this weekend. The Sunday 1st lost to a strong Horley side. Bowling first Claygate bowled well to keep the home side to around 4 an over with Horley reaching 208-4. Scott Labackik picked up two wickets with 2 for 58. In reply, after a useful start from Rufus Legg (22) and Simon Bushell 42, Claygate’s middle order collapsed, 5 wickets going down in just 2 overs with only 2 runs being scored. The heart of the side been removed, the side slumped to a disappointing defeat still 70 runs short of the target.
3rd/4th July - Last ball defeat for Claygate Defeat from the last ball of the game saw Claygate took at knock at the top of the Surrey Downs league this weekend against challengers Tadworth, who as a result move to the top of the table by just 4 points Batting first on a blustery but bright day, Claygate reached 191 with Sunny Mahajan making a lively 48, Russ Guyatt 32 and Babur Zaheeruddin 30 not out. Holidays meant skipper Dillon Woods was heavily dependant on his opening strike force of Zaheeruddin and Chris Howe, who between them shared over 40 overs. For the second week running Howe finished with an impressive haul of 4 wickets, this time for 62. However Tadworth needing 9 off the last over, completed the victory from the final ball of the game. Having loaned some of their players to the firsts, the seconds were also a changed side and the Dalmore Avenue club suffered their second defeat of the weekend, loosing this time by 5 wickets. All-rounder Henry Vincent made an excellent 86 not out and Anthony Joseph 40 in Claygate’s 213 for 6. None of the Claygate bowlers seriously troubled the Tadworth batting attack, but the game went all the way to the last over - Tadworth winning with just three balls remaining. On Sunday, results were marginally better with two draws and very similar scores. The Sunday firsts were away at Ham and Petersham and, on a lively and unpredictable wicket, the home side reached 218 for 7. Dick Murphy produced an excellent spell of 3 for 53 and Russ Guyatt a cameo with 2 for 14. The fielding let the side down however - 7 catches being grounded. In reply, Claygate reached a creditable 183 for 6 with Chris Howe on 48 not out and Tom McKinley 19 not out going for every ball at the end. Earlier Jamie Henderson made a useful 35. The seconds’ scores were very similar. Batting first, Claygate made 215 for 4, with Australian Mark Brand making his debut century for the club with105. Visitors Leatherhead got within 16 of the total for the loss of 5 wickets, Joel Watkins getting another 3 wicket haul (3 for 21) and Peter Hartnell two for 25
26th/27th June - Claygate maintain top spot The Wimbledon fortnight traditionally brings rain and the damp conditions meant two of Claygate's games were drawn due to heavy rain on Sunday - but the important league game on Saturday was played, and won, in light drizzle. With another victory underneath their belts this weekend and the half-way point of the season approaching fast, Claygate’s prospects are currently looking good at the top of the Surrey Downs league. Winning the toss and choosing to bat, North Holmwood made a disappointing 135 all out in 29 overs with Chris Howe featuring with 4 for 43 and Vikram Prabhakar 3 for 30 In reply, Damian Ross and Sunny Mahajan raced to 93 from just 11 overs, making 34 and 57 respectively, before Scott Labacik delayed Henry Vincent's innings by only two balls. Claygate scored 137 for 4, winning by 6 wickets in just 22 overs, with Azly Hamid and Nigel Abbott steering the home side to victory with 24 not out and 7 not out respectively. Claygate’s 38 points from the match maintain top spot in the Surrey Downs League. Elsewhere it was disappointment with no game for the seconds and two games on Sunday both affected by the summer deluge. The Sunday 1st showed real character at Thames Ditton and facing 169 for 2 at one point in the afternoon, Claygate fought back to end the Ditton innings on 202. Mark O’Connell cleaning up the tail with 3 for 24 -and just missing a hat trick. With a powerful bating side Claygate were confident, but at 12-0 the rain prematurely brought the game to an end. The seconds were also heading for an interesting finale. Despite having been hit for 276 by Westfield they were approaching half way with only two wickets down when again the rains came. For Claygate, Steve Wells’ leg spin accounted for 4 of the 6 wickets to fall, and in reply Jake Dear made an excellent 42, whilst Australian Mark Brand finished on a fine 52 not out.
19th/20th June - Claygate’s maximum keeps them top Claygate’s 1st XI maintained their place at the top of the Surrey Downs league with another 40-point victory thanks to an excellent run rate and penetrative bowling against Salfords. Put into bat, Claygate declared on 202 for 8 from 41 overs with Sunny Mahajan top scoring with an excellent 59. Unselfish batting from Scott Labacik (29) and The second team also had an excellent victory - amassing 39 points with a fine all round display also against Salfords. Batting firs, Claygate made an impressive 246 for 1 with Rufus Legg getting his second century of the season - 126 not out. Dinesh Reid also remained undefeated finishing just 15 short of his century. In reply, Claygate's twin spin attack of Henry Vincent (3 for 4 from 8 overs) and Chris Chance 2- 19 bemused the opposition and Dave Paige also weighed in with 2 wickets. Salfords finishing well short on 98. On Sunday, the firsts had a rain-affected game against a strong Caterham side, but ended up with an exciting draw in beautiful evening sunshine. After a slow start Caterham forced their way to 174 for 4 with Nigel Abbott the most successful bowler with 2 for 46. At 125 for 3 the game looked within Claygate’s grasp, but a fine bowling from the visitors in the last hour almost won the day for the opposition Claygate just 3 runs short of victory with 9 wickets down. Chris Howe 53, Jamie Henderson 37. The Sunday 2nd’s disappointed away to Concorde. Claygate’s 82 always looked like a loosing score as proved to be the case - the Whitely Village side easing to the total loosing only one wicket on the way.
12th/13th June - Claygate power to the top of the league Claygate powered to the top of the Surrey Downs league this weekend and for the first time this season with a maximum 40-point victory over South Nut field at Dalmore Avenue. Batting first, Claygate were bowled out for 236 off the Claygate 2nds also secured a maximum point victory against Nutfield Dinesh Reid (125) and Rufus Legg (58) made runs in the sun, before bowling the visitors out for 130. For Claygate the spinners dominated with Chris Chance continuing his fine run of recent weeks with a 6-wicket haul, backed up by Henry Vincent with three. Both the Sunday sides had their eyes on an early finish to see a certain important football match, and both ended up loosing with almost parallel scores. The 1st XI away to Old Woking scored a competent 184 for 7 in the shortened match, Rufus Legg falling 3 short of his 50, and Richard Waller 30. In reply, Claygate’s bowling and fielding disappointed with only Dick Murphy bowling tightly from a long spell and Chris Howe weighing in with a couple of wickets before the end giving some hope. However the Old Woking side eased past the total in the penultimate over. The 2nd’s also lost, also scorning 184, this time for the loss of 8 wickets. 17-year-old Jamie Henderson continued his exciting form this season with 110 not out and Steve Wells made a useful 33. In reply, and having been 85 for 6 at one point, Hersham reached the total with just 4 overs to spare. Wickets were shared between Ben Seabrook, 3, Justin Hannaford 3 and Joel Watkins taking 2 wickets and holding on to 2 fine catches.
5th/6th June - Fine weather brings fine results for Claygate The fine weather brought some fine results for Claygate this weekend with three victories and one winning draw. The winning draw was the Saturday firsts against Capel in the Surrey Downs league keeping them in contention in the group at the top of the league. Batting first, Claygate made 178 with Prabakar 27 and Guyatt 36. In reply, the wickets were shared by Babur Zaheerudin, Dillon Woods and Ben Lane - Lane bowling unchanged for 17 overs. Capel finished on 148 for 8. The first of the victories was the Saturday 2nds also against Capel. Claygate eased to a useful 211-8 with James McPhail 46, Dillon Nugera 35 and teenager Jake Dear on 31 not out. With fours results possible until the end, Claygate finished with a 15 run victory thanks to Chris Chance’s 4 for 35 and three wickets and three excellent catches in the deep by Peter Shury. The Sunday 1st’s powered to their first victory of the season with a five-wicket victory over local rivals Long Ditton. Mark O’Connell wreaked havoc at the start of the Ditton innings with three quick wickets in the opening overs and the visitors never recovered momentum compiling 161. O’Connell finished with 4 wickets and there was two each for Chris Howe and Gerard Savage. Savage - the long Ditton turncoat- also played an important part in the run chase hitting a powerful 54 not out. But top sorer for Claygate was Richard Waller, who hit an elegant 60 in his first outing of the season. The seconds competed a highly successful weekend for the Dalmore Avenue club with a 5 run victory against Old Paulines sealed on the second to last ball of the day. Batting first, Claygate made a useful 185, with the Wells father and son duo - Steve and Matt contributing 107 runs between them. Skipper Matt finishing on 76. In reply Old Paulines took the game to a nail biting finish finish just 5 runs short on 180. Joel Watkins taking 3 wickets and Ben Seabrook and Steve Wells both two.
29th/30th May - Claygate’s early season promise slips Claygate’s excellent start to the season in the Surrey Downs league took a knock this weekend at the hands of Newdigate, loosing by 8 wickets. Batting first, the Dalmore Avenue side posted a respectable 232 for 8 with Damian Ross making 52. Claygate’s bowling however let them down with Chris Howe the only successful wicket taking two as Newdigate cruised to an 8-wicket victory. Also against Newdigate, the Saturday 2’s drew having set a useful target of 203 for 7 with Jamie Henderson scoring an excellent 95 and Dick Murphy 41 not out. In reply Newdigate held on to end on 130 for 8, Chris Chance with his first five-wicket haul of the season. On Sunday, in mixed weather, the firsts lost against a strong Dorking side. At the half way stage it looked good for Claygate having bowled Dorking out for 127 - three wickets each for Tom McKinley, Nick French and Nigel Abbott. But the batting let them down being all out 50 short of the target. The Sunday 2s however had an excellent victory against Earlsfielders. Despite two rain breaks, Claygate posted 184 for 8 with Matt Wells on 99 not out. In reply, the visitors had an early collapse with Ben Seabrook and Steve Wells each taking 3 wickets. The last pair added 64 but Steve McKinley finished the innings - the visitors finishing 66 short on 118 all out.
22nd/23rd May - Claygate’s 2 in 2 Claygate sustained their winning form in the Surrey Downs League this weekend. Batting first, Claygate reached 179 in 44 overs with Ben Lane leading the way with 44 and Dillon Woods 31. After resistance at the start, Mark O'Connell finally broke the Headley opening partnership, finishing with an excellent 2 for 21. Claygate’s other opening bowler Babur Zaheeruddin, took his first 'fivefer' for Claygate, finishing with 5 for 22. Ben Lane and Vikram Prabhakar tidied up, giving Claygate their second 100+ run victory so far this season - a margin of 114 runs. The Saturday 2’ s successful run, dating back to the middle of last summer was finally broken - loosing to Headley by 29 runs. Headley put up a useful 226-7, with Peter Shury Claygate’s most successful bowler taking 4 for 59. Claygate in response finished 29 runs short, all out on 197 - Dinesh Reid 65 and Anthony Joseph 44. Both the Sunday sides also lost - the 1st XI to Unplayables. The home side were asked to bat first and against tight bowling progressed slowly to 181-7. Unable to take wickets regularly, the target always looked too small but in an exciting finale Unplayables reached the target with only 1 over to spare but with 8 wickets still standing. The Sunday 2s also lost - this time to Hook and Southborough. Batting first, Claygate batted slowly - finishing on 109 all out in 45 overs. Bowlers Justin Hanniford and Ben Seabrook put up a useful last wicket partnership giving Claygate some respectability. In reply Hook and Southborough cruised to 113-2 in just 25 overs.
15th/16th May - Claygate power to first league victories Glorious sunny weather brought two near maximum point victories in the Surrey Downs league this weekend for both Claygate’s 1st and 2nd XI’s and got the Dalmore Avenue side off to a flying start to the season. The 1st XI posted a 131 run victory over Ockley. Claygate put 190 on the board in 45 overs with a low scoring outfield and declaring 9 down. Pasan Weeraratne made a glorious 85, Russ Guyatt 33 and Vikram Prabhakar 24 not out. In reply, Mark O'Connell and Vikram Prabhakar broke the back of the Ockley innings with 2 for 18 and 3 for 12 respectively, followed up by 2 for 11 and 2 for 12 from Ben Lane and skipper Dillon Woods. Good all round fielding backed up the bowling attack and left Ockley way short of the target. In reply, Sri Lankan newcomer Chin bowled quickly and effectively and Dick Murphy's guile and spin had the Ockley batsman guessing - sharing eight wickets between them. An eighth wicket partnership threatened to frustrate Claygate’s winning ambition, but Chin make the important breakthrough and Claygate finished the job just two overs later. On Sunday the 1st XI continued their unbeaten start to the season drawing with Old Martyrs. Batting first, Ian Darke and Rufus Legg put on 131 for the first wicket- Legg completing his century not long after and ending with a career best 120 not out. He was joined by Chris Howe who hit a forceful 59 not out at a run a minute - |Claygate declaring at 249 for 1. With little in the wicket to help the bowlers, Claygate did well to keep the game alive for most of the innings but Old Martyrs finished on 170 for 7 - 15 year old Tom McKinley claiming 2 well deserved wickets in the final overs. The Sunday 2XI’s drew against Old Woking. Joel Watkins and Peter Hartnell took 2 wickets each in Woking’s total of 258 for 6. Claygate held on at the end to finish on 171 for 9 - Luke Cridland 38, Steve Mckinley 31.
1st/2nd May - Fifteen year old takes the eye The atrocious weather throughout the week meant only one of Claygate’s four games this weekend survived - the Sunday firsts fixture against the Barbadian influenced South London side Carnegie. Batting first, the Bajan side produced some Caribbean cricket at the end of their innings to finish on 216 for 4. The star for Claygate was 15-year-old leg spinner Nick French who took 3 wickets on a pitch where any turn was at best slow. Against a daunting target on the slow pitch, the Claygate response was solid but never reached the run rate required to mount a real challenge. Claygate had some useful knocks from Rufus Legg (34) Dick Murphy (28) and Jamie Henderson (28) , but it was French again who took the eye, batting stylishly and finishing unbeaten at the end on 28. A second draw of the season for the Claygate Sunday XI’s, but like all four Claygate sides, there will strong competition for places this summer as the side is benefiting from a number of youngsters making excellent contributions to the club.
24th/25th April - The Sun Shines on Claygate Taking advantage of the superb weekend weather, Claygate 1st XI warmed up with a pre-season friendly against Guildford 3rds on Saturday and proved that the Dalmore Avenue side will be a strong force in the Surrey Downs league this year. Strengthened by several overseas newcomers, Claygate under new skipper Dillon Woods, look a powerful side with enhanced quick bowling and powerful batting all the way down the order. Batting first, Claygate openers Dassan and Damian Ross quickly took advantage of an inconsistent Guildford attack before rising star Chris Howe joined Dassan and put on over a hundred for the second wicket. Dassan completed a stylish 115, whilst Howe was run out 17 runs short of his century. Claygate finished on 267 for 6. In reply, the pace of debutant Babur Zaheeruddin (3- 7) and the guile and spin of Vikram Prabakar ((2-12) quickly had Guildford struggling and the visitors finished 73 not out. The Sunday 1st XI also had good first outing of the season, drawing against Rowan - a strong side from Epsom. Bowling first, Claygate restricted the visitors fielding five South Africans and two Australians to 186 for 6 - Dick Murphy right on the spot with 4 for 28 and Justin Hanniford with an excellent long spell collecting 3 for 43. After a steady start, Claygate failed to accelerate in the middle order. Russ Guyatt, Chris Howe and Jamie Henderson all got into the 20’s but no one individual innings turned into the big score that would have won the day. Claygate finished on 139 for 7. Claygate will once again be competing in the Surrey Downs League this season and with a strong 1st XI and a strengthened 2nd XI that are the reigning second divisions champions, this season looks set for good things. Claygate also regularly run two sides on Sundays and if anyone is interested in the possibility of playing for a strong local club with the feel of village side then in first instance please look at the web site www.claygatecc.co.uk.
For further information please contact Nigel Abbott: 01372 - 4653560
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