After their title-winning efforts last year, Claygate have started slowly in the Surrey Downs league this season. Claygate's bowling against visitors North Holmwood lacked penetration, with several leading strike bowlers on football duty or hit by illness. Claygate set a big target with a terrific batting performance , knocking up 280 for 1 with Sunny Mahajan scoring an undefeated 137 and 20 year-old Australian newcomer Matt Weston 6 short of his maiden century. The bowling however lacked edge and the visitors played out the overs on 185 for 5.

On Sunday both games were tight in the final overs. The 1sts drew in an exciting finish with Old Ashfordians the visitors finishing with 9 wickets down. Claygate posted a useful 206 for 8, with Rufus Legg top-scoring with 43. Old Ashfordians however never looked in the hunt and finished 50 runs short with the last pair playing out the final over to secure the draw.

Another tight finish saw the Sunday 2nds lose at Bank of England. Batting first, Claygate scored 185 for 7 with skipper Steve McKinley just missing his 50. Brother Tom led the wicket chase with a 4-wicket haul, but Bank secured the victory with just four balls to go and two wickets remaining.