Priory do the business as Ashtead fall agonisingly short

So near but yet so far. This was the story as Ashtead travelled to Priory Park for Round 6 of the 2021 Surrey Championship, which the hosts ended victorious by just 17 runs.

Reigate Priory won the toss and elected to make first use of a real rarity in the Championship – a completely unused wicket. It was hard and true, and looked beautiful to bat on throughout the day. And so it proved, at least initially.

Captain Richard Oliver continued in his usual all-out attacking style, and soon the ball was flying to all parts in the early overs. Both opening bowlers felt the pain, although Ben Sidwell did strike early with Sam Hall going for just 6. Andrew Delmont, ever reliable, showed slightly more patience but the scoreboard continued to tick over at an alarming rate.

At 106-1 after 18, the signs were ominous for a monster total. It would take a moment of magic to invigorate the Stags’ chances, and it came from overseas star Manoj Sarathchandra, who snaffled an outstanding catch down the leg side to remove Delmont for 41. Next ball, and dangerous batsman Bradley Scriven departs LBW. Momentum shifts and the pendulum swings.

A brief period of consolidation followed, but it would be after drinks that the Priory middle order imploded. By this time, the bowling had turned to seamer Harri Aravinthan and spinner Tom Homes. Four wickets in seven overs would put the visitors in the ascendency, with some canny variations to pick up LBW decisions, and the champagne moment of the day – an outstanding catch from skipper Tom Deighton to remove Oliver for 66.

At 163-7, hopes were high to keep the total below 200, but a strong rear-guard action shaw another 38 runs added for the final few wickets. Priory were eventually routed for 201 form 5 overs to spare.

The chase started in almost the worst way possible, as White edged behind without scoring. This, however, left Aravinthan (Harri) and Manoj at the crease – and together, they carefully plundered the bowling. Aravinthan in his classical, steady style, accumulated slowly. Manoj, as usual, did not – plenty of attack, quick runs sprinted through, and plenty of excitement on offer.

50, 60, 70, then 80 all came and went, and the Stags looked to be cruising gently towards the target. A twin strike, however, from regular 2nd XI player Jonny Flanders saw Manoj and Ragu Aravinthan depart close together. Momentum shifting again.

A steady innings from Conor Young, now partnering Harri, began to repair the damage – and Priory turned to their spinners – predominantly Michael Munday. Ever a thorn in the Stags’ side, with a tendency to take large numbers of wickets against Ashtead. Young was first to go, which precipitated a similar middle order collapse – including two unnecessary run outs. 137-3 became 145-7.

Hope remained as Harri was still in, however, and with Harry Williams, the two young batsmen inched the visitors towards the target – taking little risk and utilising the field effectively to run plenty of singles and the occasional bonus. 7 overs to go and 33 to get – it still seemed well within reach.

Losing Aravinthan was the key wicket, caught and bowled by Munday for 66, and the jig seemed up. The final two wickets were fought over hard, but it was not to be. Deighton caught at short fine leg was the final fall, losing by 17 with 15 balls to go.

Losses for Wimbledon and East Molesey above us means that Ashtead remain third, but the gap has not extended. Next week sees Weybridge travel to Woodfield Lane for the last of this set of limited overs matches. Weybridge lie 6th in the standings, after a shaky start, but with two comfortable wins in the last 2 weeks. 2020 was a rain off, but 2019 saw an easy win for the visitors. Let’s hope we can turn that result around and end the short stuff with a flourish. Join us then.