Chris Howe made 75 and Sanjeewa Wijetunga took four wickets as Claygate 1st XI suffered their first defeat of the season in a tight encounter, eventually losing by 16 runs at Sheen Park.

Having won the toss and deciding to bat, Sheen Park were bowled out for 215 of 44.1 overs with Wijetunga taking the wickets of the top three batsmen and Tuan Hadgie chipping in with three wickets.

Claygate’s run chase was hampered by the regular loss of wickets but Howe’s excellent 75, comprising of eight 4s and two 6s, steadied them.

Unfortunately, with wickets falling around him, Howe was not able to drag Claygate over the line and they were eventually bowled out for 199 in the 45th over.

Despite the loss, Claygate remain in third spot in the Fullers Surrey County League Division One.

Elsewhere, a maiden Claygate century for Hugh Taggart and first six-wicket haul for Kieran Williams gave Claygate 2nd XI their first win of the season at home against Hook and Southborough.

Despite being put in to bat and losing a couple of early wickets, Claygate made 272 of 45 overs thanks to a nearly 200-run partnership between Taggart and Russ Guyatt, comprising of an unbeaten 129 from Taggart and a steadying 63 from Guyatt.

Tom Pickworth took another three wickets after taking three on his debut two weeks ago, but Williams was the star of the show for Claygate’s bowling unit.

Even with Hook and Southborough’s run chase starting well, particularly from Ananth Pai who scored 84, Williams’ six wickets helped to put Claygate firmly back in control.

His consistent swinging of the ball reaped rewards, and Hook and Southborough were eventually bowled out for 198 of 42.4 overs, meaning Claygate won by 74 runs.