Claygate 2nd XI, 134 for in 27 overs, drew with Newdigate 2nd XI 103 for 7 in 28 overs.

Despite appalling conditions, three heavy rain showers and much sweeping away water and mopping up, these two rather foolhardy teams managed to complete a shortened game of cricket at Claygate on Saturday. At the end of the match many of the players resembled footballers after a muddy encounter.

Newdigate won the toss and chose to field and the game did start in the dry – but only for seven overs before the first heavy shower. Another but – Newdigate had dismissed both openers for just nine runs, both caught by excellent catches at second slip by Stephen Kehl and gully by Will Bowley respectively.

After the resumption, and an agreed shorter 55 over game, Claygate batted positively and scored at an ever increasing rate through another shower, tea and more mopping up. S Salmon scored an excellent 54 and was supported by R Waller (16), R Legg (14) and S Huff (15no) in reaching 134 for 5 in 27 overs. Ben Brearley was the pick of the bowlers for Newdigate taking 4 for 38 in 13 overs, including 3 maidens. The fielding was again excellent in horrible conditions.

Newdigate got off to a quick start but soon lost skipper Bill Turner. James Penfold (32) and Thomas Ball (26) batted very well in adding 55 for the second wicket. At 71 for 3 in the sixteenth over Newdigate were just on top but wickets then fell at regular intervals in an effort to keep up with the required run rate.

Claygate also fielded well in the conditions and also caught two stunning catches in pegging back the Newdigate line up, N Abbotts taking 4 for 31 in 8 overs for the home side. Eventually John Callcut and Will Bowley held out for a draw at 103 for 7 wickets,  Claygate taking the winning draw.

An enjoyable game played in a good spirit by a few rather eccentric men and young men in white determined to win despite everything the weather could throw at them.