Newdigate   97-8        v        Merstham   111-7

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Unbeaten Newdigate hosted Merstham in a game that, if they won, would have all but clinched the East Surrey Colts Under 14 League.

 

However, it was the visitors who produced a polished performance to clinch the victory, and to give themselves a chance of clinching the title.

 

Choosing to bat first, Mestham lost an early wicket, but Dan Walker (18) and John Deans (46) batted steadily to keep the run rate around 4 an over.  Ellis then hit a quickfire 23 not out, as Deans also accelerated.

 

Crucially, Alex Southon (4-8) returned to dismiss Deans, and no other Merstham batsman was able to get going as the innings tailed off to finish on 111-7.   Jack Wyllie also took 3-15.

 

 

 

The home sides openers have been in great form, with Southon and Wyllie having two of the top three averages in the division, but both fell cheaply as Deans and Walker bowled impressively.  Fraser Mosley (27) and Henry Warne (16) patiently set about rebuilding the innings, but having moved the score onto 61-3, both fell in quick succession.  It was left to Harry Ramsey (24) to try to keep up the tempo, but with wickets falling, Newdigate got too far behind, and finished on 97-8

 

Merstham were totally deserving of this victory, and have given themselves an outside chance of snatching the title.  Newdigate travel to Felbridge knowing that, with their superior run rate, a victory will secure the league, whilst Merstham need to win their final game, and hope both Newdigate and Kenley lose theirs to take the honours.  It will be a tense week for the boys!