20 points for the Stags - but a nail-biting finish

And so the league begins. With a mid-table target, and hopes high of mounting a strong challenge in the Premier League for 2016, Division 1 champions Ashtead hosted fellow promoted side East Molesey in Round 1 of the 2016 Travelbag Surrey Championship Premier League.

The visitors won the toss, and chose to make first use of a wicket that promised something for everyone. Combined with a fast outfield, a high total would be a must to win the game – or so it seemed.

The early going was one-way traffic as the East Molesey openers scored hard and fast runs against the quicker bowlers in the Stags’ arsenal. With no sign of a breakthrough in sight, the dependable veteran John Vaughan-Davies entered the fray, and as usual, the game turned on its head. First came an absolute screamer from Dominic Sibley, somehow snaring a full stretch catch at second slip. Two balls later, the new batsmen edged to first slip. 40-0 became 40-2.

The introduction of spin also brought a wicket, as Tom Homes claimed his first victim of the year to leave the visitors struggling at 64-3. However, as is so often the case, the luck of the game changed hands again. With a couple of chances going astray, the opposition skipper, Sam Burge, led the fightback. With some other middle order assistance, they accumulated runs gradually over the next 20 overs or so. After 41 overs, the visitors had reached 183-4, and were well placed to set a formidable target.

It was not to be, however, as a flurry of late wickets, including some rather interesting shot selections, saw East Molesey bowled out for 208 with 8 balls to spare. Top of the wicket-takers were Vaughan-Davies and Tom Homes, each with 3, and the rest falling to Sam Homes, Tom Deighton and Jordan Thomas.

Following the interval, the momentum remained with the hosts, as Michael Sanderson plundered the early fast bowling. His opening partner, Dom Sibley, took a while to get the runs flowing, but his perseverance and patience would prove a useful anchor to rally around.

When Sanderson got himself out for 49 (missing on his fourth 50+ score of 2016 by just a single run), the wickets began to flow – slow and steady, but regularly. Sibley remained the constant throughout this period, as both Guy Harper and Paul Harrison came and went. 75-0 became 98-3.

John Vaughan-Davies, once again the man of the hour, halted the visitors’ charge, and the innings settled again. Around this time, Sibley found some form and began rotating strike more effectively, and the runs began to flow. Sibley eventually went for 54, and at 147-4 after 36 overs, a win seemed almost secure.

But we at Ashtead love some drama, and so conspired to win the game while looking as if we would lose it. With the exception of Sam Homes, the tail failed to fire, and suddenly Ashtead needed 2 off the last over to win, with 2 wickets left. Surely the game was done now?

Not quite. Jordan Thomas, seeking a second, ran himself out from the first ball of the last over. 1 to win off 5, with 1 wicket left. Aaron Rose survived a loud LBW appeal next ball, and then watched a ball sail down the leg side for a wide. Ashtead had secured 20 valuable points.

Man of the Team (MOT) goes to John Vaughan-Davies (33 and 3-29).

Next week sees Ashtead make a difficult trip to Sunbury. Last year’s Premier League Champions, they set 354 against Guildford at their home base in Week 1. Join us then.