Rain dampens Claygate’s ambitions

Heavy rain on Saturday affected Claygate’s games in the Surrey Downs league - both being called off with no result possible. Claygate remain well positioned to make a late run in both the 1st and 2 nd Division Championships.

On Sunday, both sides lost - the showery conditions also producing difficulties for both sides.

At Dalmore Avenue, having won the toss and electing to bowl first in the damp conditions, Claygate‘s spin attack put in a fine performance with Suranjan Cooray taking two wickets and Vikram Prabakar bowling unchanged for nearly 2 hours finishing with 5 for 63 from 18 overs. Joris Nathanson starred with the gloves with two excellent stumpings. Surrey Cryptics took 48 overs to reach 223 for 7.

In reply, Cryptics new Australian paceman Ian Day restricted the scoring and after 14 overs the visitors had both Claygate openers back in the pavilion with only 20 runs on the board.

From there it was always going to be an uphill struggle and despite middle order resistance from Chris Howe, Matt Wells and Joris Nathanson- top scoring on 31- Claygate were finally skittled by pace at the end loosing the last 4 wickets in three overs to leave the home side 87 runs short of the total.

The seconds also lost – this time to West End. Batting first, West End reached 236 for 9 with the wickets being shared amongst the Claygate’s bowlers - Andy Spector finishing with a brace. Jake Dear produced the champagne movement of the game with a terrific run out.

In reply Claygate struggled, with only Jake Dear (33) and Gareth Evans (29) providing resisitience. The visitors finished over 100 runs short of the total.

For further information please contact:

Nigel Abbott 01372 465350 Mobile 07774 161 634