Newdigate 1st XI 137 v Whiteley Village 138-7

 

Newdigate 1st XI began their season with a hastily arranged friendly against Whiteley Village.

 

Having lost the toss, Newdigate was asked to bat first on a slightly damp wicket showing low bounce.  Having lost a wicket in the first over, Newdigate never really got going.  Des Harris took to his new opening role with a quickfire 32, but no one else reached 20 until debutant Lawrence Down cut loose with three sixes in his brief innings of 20.

 

Newdigate looked  in real danger of being skittled for less than 100, but on a wicket showing low bounce, and requiring good technique and patience, it was 12 year old Thomas Ball who finally showed both in abundance.  Coming in at 86 for 6, he held an end up for 18 overs, compiling a chanceless 18 not out, and expertly marshalling the more experienced tail to get his team up to 137.  The wickets were shared between the Whiteley Village bowlers

 

This was still below par, but two quick wickets, and nagging accuracy, meant that chasing it down wouldn't be easy.

 

The classy Sunter (43), batted with supreme patience, and looked to be leading his side to victory until he top edged a pull shot into his face and retired hurt.  This unfortunate event gave Newdigate a glimmer of hope, and Ben Crook (4-18) caused a collapse that looked to have tipped the balance, until Razey (35 not out) saw his side home by 3 wickets and with just an over to spare.

 

Newdigate travel to newly promoted Holmbury St Mary next week in their first Surrey Downs League game, knowing that they will need to improve their batting if they are to have a successful season