The 45 overs per side match started with Ashtead winning the toss and putting Weybridge in to bat. Looking at the wicket it was difficult to know what a good score would be as there had been heavy rain on the previous day. In these limited over games it is usual to bowl first, unless it is a flat track on a warm day, so it was an important toss to win. However, Weybridge’s opening batsmen started to score well even though Dom Lloyd and Gyan Vishnoi were bowling well and creating chances. With a first wicket stand of 51 in 12 overs it seemed as if a score of over 200 would be the target and that it would be a batsman’s day.

Gyan eventually broke the stand and hopes were high that Ashtead could take control of the game. When Weybridge’s opening batsman S.Gray was out for 51 this seemed the case and a string of wickets soon fell. Junior Vishnoi one of Ashtead’s up and coming colts and promising spin bowler turned in a great spell, ending with figures of 2 wickets for 16 runs off 6 overs. This give Ashtead a real chance of bowling Weybridge out for under 150 but… the last few wickets saw the score climb to over 180 which would have been more but for a great run-out by Dom – hurling the ball in from the covers and knocking the stumps out of the ground at the bowler’s end. Weybridge finished their 45 overs on a score of 188 for 9 - certainly a competitive score. Importantly, the 9 wickets assured Ashtead three points no matter what the final result.

After tea, Ashtead’s openers Ben Gale and Gareth Amer set about the task of chasing down the 188 runs which certainly would take some consistent batting. A good start would be essential and this was achieved with 43 on the score board in 10 overs. A great wicket-keeper’s catch removed Ben, who was looking dangerous, and brought in Sam Conlan. Sam kept the momentum going with skipper Gareth. All seemed to be going well until Gareth was bowled for a very useful 35. At 20 overs, Ashtead were 87 for 2 wickets and it was ‘game on’ for both Weybridge and Ashtead.

Ashtead continued to score and all batsmen contributed useful runs, some with careful singles and others with big sixes. Special mention should be made for fair player of the year as Andrew Scott gave himself out after what must have been a faint touch. Well done the Rev. This gave Tom McAlister a chance to have a bat which he certainly enjoyed until, nearing the end of the chase, he was bowled. Luckily Dom was on hand to hit the winning runs and ensure that Ashtead stay up in Division 1 next season.

Commiserations to Weybridge and thanks for a good and exciting game.

I hope you enjoy the photographs, titled Home and Away, of the ACC 3rd and 4th teams who both managed to win their penultimate matches.