It’s Claygate at the double!


A double victory for Claygate this weekend has boosted their fortunes in the Surrey Downs League.

The 1st XI, playing high-flying Brockham Green produced a terrific bowling performance to win by 91 runs. After a useful opening partnership of nearly 50 by Matt Weston and Lance Mayer, a Claygate collapse left the real action to come from the last 3 wickets, which added 60 invaluable runs. Ben Lane coming in at 9 knocked 45 and with skipper Dillon Woods and Luke Webb boosted the score to 176.

The Brockham reply started badly with 16 year-old Tom McKinley grabbing a wicket from his second ball and the home side were always struggling. Brockham were routed for 85 from just 34 overs. McKinley finishing with 2 for 17, Lane 2 for 22 and Chris Howe 3 for 10.

The seconds were also in-form in the return fixture. Batting first on a difficult pitch, and looking rocky at 8 for 2, Claygate fished on 200 for 5 with Russ Guyaytt top scoring on 70 not out, ably supported by Rufus Legg on 54. With inspired catching, Claygate whittled the visitors out for 113, Dick Murphy spinning 3 wickets, Justin Hannaford, Scott Labacik and Dave Price picking up 2 wickets each. ‘Silver fox’ Murphy also snaffled 3 great catches to produce the performance of the day.

On Sunday, the 1st XI lost a close and exciting run chase against local rivals Thames Ditton. With Mike Dixon starring with the bat, Ditton pushed to 209, setting a challenging target from the 40 overs. David Price with 3 wickets and Chris Howe and Nigel Abbott with 2 wickets each did the damage.

In reply, and after a slow start Claygate looked poised for potential victory on 167 for 2, before 7 wickets fell for just 32 runs leaving Claygate 10 runs short. The seconds also lost against Westfield.

Ends


Nigel Abbott 01372- 465350 (Mob 07774 161634)