Newdigate 237-3 vs. Ockham 241-6

Newdigate began their Surrey Downs League Division 1 campaign at home to Ockham, who have become something of a bogey team for the hosts over the years.

Home captain, Richard Callcut, won the toss and elected to bat on a wicket that looked hard and flat, despite a rain shower just before the start of play. 

Youngster Matt Clarke looked out of sorts early on, and survived an early chance, but slowly found his touch and, along with his captain weathered the early storm.  The pair grew in confidence, and took the attack to the bowlers, accumulating a partnership of 154 from 27 overs before Clarke fell for an excellent 81.  Callcut fell shortly afterwards for  74.  This brought Dan Jones (31) and Ruky Wickremasinghe (38 not out) together, who pushed on to set up an aggressive declaration at 237 for 3 from just 41 overs.

At tea, the home side held all the cards, but the initiative was quickly wrested away by a swashbuckling 36 from M. Ali.  Newdigate's early bowling was wayward, and Ockham raced along until Newdigate introduced the spin of Wickremasinghe and Salman Hussain.  This put the breaks on, but Ockham still ticked along slowly, and Newdigate struggled to create chances. 

Gary Mason (37) and Neil Greenwood pushed on until the introduction of Des Harris (3-44) who took 3 quick wickets and threatened to pull the game back towards the home team.  However, Greenwood batted through and finished on a faultless 80 not out as Ockham reached their total with an over to spare.  He received good support from brother Brett (27*)

Newdigate travel to East Horsley next week, looking to overcome this disappointing start.