Sunbury take the points as Ashtead toil in the sun

The month of May draws to a close with weather fit for a summer’s day. And the perennial tradition of the Ashtead Stags continued on Saturday, with a 23-run defeat at the hands of Sunbury in Round 4 of the 2023 Surrey Championship Premier Division.

Sunbury won the toss and elected to make first use of a pitch that promised much for the batters but would also provide a good surface for the spinners throughout the day. Yet, despite a loud appeal in the very first over of the day, the opening partnership quickly charged to 50, then 60, then 70. The Ashtead bowling attack, led this week by Sussex charger Sean Hunt, were unable to find a breakthrough and as the score reached 80, a big total beckoned.

The first wicket came the way of Harri Aravinthan, tempting a false shot that Sam Homes was only too eager to cling on to. This opening left a chink in the armour that the spinners were only too willing to exploit. Tom Homes was brought into the attack and immediately caused problems, drawing a rash shot from Surrey star Nico Reifer and then removing the other opener for a well-made 47.

Not to be outdone, Sean returned for his second spell and found a wicket immediately, disrupting the little bit of momentum that the visitors appeared to be building. Spin, however, would continue to dominate proceedings and it would be Sam Homes to take the next two wickets. 143-6 was now the score and the Stags were beginning to think of the mid-time interval.

The Sunbury tail attempted to make a stand, but the return of the quick bowlers put paid to that (and a sharp run-out from Harri Aravinthan as well). Sunbury were bowled out for 174 (one shy of the next batting bonus point) with 25 balls remaining in their innings.

Hopes were high as the Stags began their chase, and after five overs, the attacking mentality of overseas star Kieron Powell and Surrey opener Ben Geddes was proving effective as they cantered to 28-0. However, both were to fall in the first 10 over Powerplay as slower balls and good catching told the story. 47-2 after 10 was still an excellent start and hopes remained high for success.

But it would be the first change bowlers, Sunbury’s overseas pro Matt Arnold and the erstwhile Subhan Ramzan that did the real damage, removing the middle order batters through a combination of catches, bowled and LBW. At 90-6, a rear-guard action would be necessary to pull the hosts to victory – but time was still on Ashtead’s side, with 28 overs to score the remaining 85 runs.

A lengthy but strong partnership between Paul Harrison and Tom Homes rebuilt the Stags’ innings, but when a half-tracker from Colby Dyer failed to bounce in the way anyone expected, Harrison departed LBW for 18. Losing Homes LBW to the Surrey spinner Amar Virdi in the next over meant that the visitors were on the verge of celebrating. Ben Sidwell and Sean Hunt, however, had other ideas and swung mightily. 60 to win became 50, then 40, then 35. Could it be done?

Losing Sidwell for 19 was a blow, but the Hunts (Sean and Sam) were not prepared to let the matte rest and got the target below 30. But it was all too much, and when Sean was finally caught for 16, the chase was over. Ashtead fell for 151, 23 runs shy, with 69 balls still on the table.

This result, and others around them, sees Ashtead sitting at the bottom of the Premier League table as the first round of limited overs matches comes to a close. The next week is a busy one for the Stags, with Rounds 2 (and hopefully 3) of the T20 Cup as part of ‘Super Monday’ at Esher CC, and then the first of the 9 red-ball matches as Ashtead travel to mid-table Wimbledon, who won a close match in 2023 by 4 wickets.

A reminder that you can follow Ashtead CC’s 1st XI matches via our Twitter (@ashteadcc), live on our website (www.ashtead.play-cricket.com) or at our YouTube channel (Ashtead Cricket Club Live). We look forward to Monday and next week! Join us then.