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Salfords II (181-8) drew with Claygate II (165-9) After winning the toss on an overcast and drizzly day, Salfords II skipper Rob Harvey made a bold if somwhat surprising decision to bat first. The green pitch offered assistance, and the Claygate opening bowlers bowled with discipline to restrict the Salfords scoring rate to just over one per over. Kidd (5), Van Renen (0) and Harvey (6) were dismissed cheaply to leave Salfords struggling at 20-3.
Speers joined ageless wonder Dickie Harrington in a determined effort to rebuild the innings. Harrington continued to look a class apart in the difficult conditions, playing a number of classical cover drives. Speers struggled initially, but began to find confidence as the conditions eased unveiling some uncharacteric attacking shots, including a slashed 6 over backward point that broke a number of tiles on the pavilion roof. After Harrington was bowled for 37, Speers (47) and Humphrey continued to increase the scoring rate. Humphrey ended 54*, his first half century for the club, as Salfords closed on 181-8 off 48 overs. Salfords knoew that early wickets were imperitive if they were to force a victory, but the Claygate openers got off to a steady steady start, despite an impressive opening spell from Edmonds (0-37). The introduction of the wily Jon Lambert proved a turning point as wickets began to tumble steadily. Lambert ended with 5-37, but Salfords were unable to force a win despite reducing Claygate to 165-9 with seven balls remaining. Claygate gained a winning draw. |
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