A win for the Stags, as the spare balls are exhausted

The winning streak continues. After an excellent win against Weybridge last week, and a total trouncing of Chipstead, Coulsdon & Walcountians in the t20 cup on Thursday night, Ashtead made it three in a row after cruising to a 7 wicket win over fellow mid table rivals Guildford.

The visitors won the toss, and elected to make first use on a pitch that promised much for both sides at all times. Yet it was the Stags who made the early running, with three early wickets demolishing the top order for just 13 runs. Jordan Thomas claimed two of these scalps, including the highly fancied Bradley Erasmus, while Matt Friedlander also chipped in on the action.

These two would both bowl long opening spells, and Thomas soon had his third, to leave Guildford 36-4. This became 55-5 with the first changes of bowling, as Tom Homes’ spin claimed his first wicket – but certainly not his last.

After John-Vaughan had bowled a few overs, skipper Tom Deighton entered the fray, and with Homes from the top end, the two saw the hosts through to lunch. However, they failed to pick up another wicket, and with overseas batsman Lincoln Edwards on 49 entering the interval, Guildford threatened to provide a resurgence.

After lunch, the return of Thomas proved effective, as he claimed his fourth. Yet the tail remained stubborn, and guided by Edwards, they scored runs aplenty off Thomas, Homes and Deighton. Wickets continued to fall, including Edwards for 91, but with a spirited performance from Ben Walter (32 from 30), Guildford reached 212 when Homes claimed his fourth and final wicket. Thomas and Homes were the pick of the bowlers, with 4-49 and 4-67 respectively.

Early runs would be vital for the Stags, and to start with, the extras column was filling up nicely. Despite losing Vaughan-Davies early (although a very nice six did come from his bat first), as well as Matt Friedlander, Danny Miler showed his class as he saw through the opening salvos.

He then, just as on Thursday, went on the rampage. Not a single bowler could stem the unstoppable flow of runs that came crashing through boundaries. His work was exceptional down the ground, to the short boundaries, but several deliveries went crashing through square as well. At tea, the Stags were 110-2 after 16 and showing no signs of slowing down.

The spinners continued after the break, and after a couple of chances, Miller finally departed for 75 off 64. By now Stew Cameron, who joined Miller early in the chase, was on 32 from as many balls, and he decided to use his talents and considerable form to see the chase home. Paul Harrison, who joined him following Miller’s departure, also used his skills, and together they saw Ashtead home, reaching the target in the 34th over. Cameron finished on 70 not out, with Harrison adding a valuable 34 of his own.

Player of the Team: Hard to choose, with great performances all round. However, my pick for today will be Jordan Thomas – with 4-49 off 17 overs, including three crucial early wickets, his work kept the chase to a manageable figure and set up the big batsman for a top chase.

This win sees Ashtead climb to fifth in the Premier League, as results for other teams went as the Stags would like them. Next week sees them travel to Beddington for another crucial game. Beddington lie eighth after a rain-affected game against East Molesey, and can be highly dangerous, but Ashtead will be looking for another maximum haul. Join us then.