Champions take the points, but Stags still mid-table

They always knew it would be a challenge. After a promising start to their league campaign with 20 points against East Molesey last week, Ashtead were soundly grounded with a 9-wicket thumping by 2015 Premier League champions Sunbury.

After winning the toss, and electing to bat on a track that is well known across the county for its excellent batting conditions, the Stags fared well initially, with Michael Sanderson continuing in his rich vein of form. An early couple of wickets at the other end, of Dom Sibley and Guy Harper, threatened to destabilise the innings, but Paul Harrison dug in, and together the runs began to accumulate slowly.

The introduction of spin could have been the moment to begin the charge, but some tight bowling from the hosts kept both batsmen quiet. At the mid-innings drinks interval, Ashtead were 83-2, and had set a decent platform for the later batsmen to work from.

But the drive never materialised – a combination of some very tight bowling, and some early-season cares, meant that the acceleration was not forthcoming. The loss of both Sanderson and Harrison to the returning opening bowlers were big blows, and the middle order became trapped by the bowlers, and by scoreboard pressure. A late flurry from Sam Homes and Jordan Thomas helped the visitors achieve a batting bonus point, but it was a solitary one, as the Stags finished on 159-7 off their 50 over allocation.

With a top four containing two county players and a South African international, the defence was always going to be a challenge. However, Ashtead overseas bowler Jordan Thomas and John Vaughan-Davies caused real problems early on, and the visitors deserved a wicket or two in the first spells.

It was not to be, however, and Sunbury plundered the remainder of the bowling as they coasted towards the target with ease. The wicket of John Maunders, caught by skipper Deighton off Stewart Cameron for 62, made sure that it would not be a whitewash, but Adam London and Nathaniel Gregory saw the champions home in the 32nd over – London finishing on an excellent 75 not out.

Next week sees the Stags travel to Sutton, in a game that promises to be a close encounter. Sutton, while always a dangerous outfit, have seen two top order collapses in their first two outings, and have yet to find winning ways in the 2016 league season. Ashtead will be hunting their next 20 point haul of the season. Join us then.