Claygate 1st XI scored an important and comprehensive 8 wicket victory against bottom club Old Tenisonians at the Recreation Ground this weekend. Claygate are now in the middle of the Fullers Surrey County League 1st Division.

Having won the toss, skipper Jamie Henderson put the opposition in on a wicket that had seen over an inch of rain last week. Sanjeeva Witetunga and Jay Harshaka soon had the opposition in difficulties with Harshaka (3 for 15) the most successful. Chris Howe and Tuan Hadgie weighed in with two wickets apiece and despite middle order resistance Claygate continued to destroy the visitors who ended all out on 88 after 37 overs.

Despite losing Tom Sapsed without scoring, Witetunga and Rajindhu Rodrigo made relatively light work of the total and Claygate eased to an 8 wicket victory from just 22 overs.

Meanwhile the 2nd XI had a losing draw at Wallington after rain interfered and the game was reduced by 7 overs a side.

Wallington batted first and the Claygate opening bowlers both bowled long spells to keep the opposition under control. Ash Kanwal (4-59) was lively and effective and just failed to get his ‘fifer’ having bowled 17 over in two spells. Nigel Abbott bowled 14 from the other end (2-49) including a stunning caught and bowled proving the maxim that bowlers put in the extra effort to ensure a catch off their own bowling! Wallington made 186 for 6 giving Claygate a chance.

Despite grey skies and light rain the Claygate inning was uninterrupted and Damian Ross started the innings well and batted confidently to make 79 not out and carry his bat for the innings. There was some good support from Hugh Taggart and David Andrews but Claygate couldn’t find the extra horsepower to take them either to a position of a winning draw or getting close to victory.

There was no game for the Sunday 1st XI.