Claygate boosted their fortunes in the Surrey Downs league this weekend with a superb 8 wicket victory over Old Woking – the first of the new season.

Old Woking never looked comfortable against Claygate’s much improved 16-year-old opening bowler Tom McKinley who took 4 wickets in two impressive spells. Skipper for the day Ben Lane mopped up the tail with 3 for 13.

South African newcomer Lance Mayer then flayed the Woking bowling with an exhilarating 94 not out, Matt Weston at the other end also reaching his 50.

Claygate 2 nd’s couldn’t repeat the formula and having lost the toss on a green wicket, Claygate struggled to 122 all out - Russ Guyatt making 37 and Steve Salmon contributing 31 on his debut.

Woking reached the total with 3 wickets to spare, with 3 Claygate bowlers getting two wickets - Scott Labacik, Justin Hannaford and Chris White. The visitors were unable to keep it sufficiently tight to force the victory.

The Sunday 1 st’s also lost - against Horsham, the championship side from Sussex. O’Gamy hit a useful 77 for the visitors as they reached 169 for 8 also on a green wicket. Claygate bowlers used the conditions well with 3 wickets for Luke Webb and two each for teenagers Nigel Abbott and Steve Wells.

Richard Waller (74) and Dillon Woods (50) shared a fine middle order stand of 99 and at 135 for 4, Claygate looked set. However tight bowling from two young Sussex prospects destroyed the Claygate tail – the Dalmore Avenue side finishing just 4 runs short loosing their final wicket with 4 balls remaining.

Ends

Nigel Abbott 01372 465350 Mobile 07774 161634