Surrey Championship

Division Five

Croydon MO 150

Dorking 90

DORKING suffered a disappointing defeat in their quest for promotion at Pixham Lane on Saturday.

Skipper Graham Dymond was once again successful at the toss and elected to take to the field. However, things didn't go to plan as Croydon rode their luck and at times hit powerfully over the top.

The opening stand was finally broken for 48 when Scott Kelsey removed Sayed courtesy of a sharp catch from Francis Chadwick. This breakthrough was the catalyst Dorking needed to get into Croydon's top order.

Lewis Davies accounted for the free flowing Ali (41) and Ben Overton claimed two of his five victims to peg Croydon back to 79-4.

Chadwick picked up the scalp of the dangerous Shah (15) and the hard-hitting Butt (6), leaving the visitors reeling 93-6.

As Croydon continued to play their shots Dorking were given plenty of chances in the field as Overton picked a further two wickets.

With the score at 110-8 Dorking were looking at another low scoring chase, however a ninth wicket stand of 34 rejuvenated Croydon as they were dismissed for 150.

Overton finished with season best figures of 5-46 and Chadwick 3-42, both supported by three catches apiece from Davies and returning keeper Niall Harris. At tea Dorking were confident of chasing the target set for another crucial 13 points.

With Croydon taking the old ball in response this gave Dorking the perfect chance to tick off the runs. But, Croydon had other ideas as Rob Chave was harshly adjudged lbw with the score on 14.

His opening partner Tom Chisman was then joined by Davies as they set about creating a good platform as they worked the ball round the field. When Chisman was also trapped lbw it sparked a mini collapse as Dorking stuttered to 49-4.

With Davies at the crease Dorking always had a chance but when he departed for 36 they were in the mire.

Butt took the new ball for Croydon and bowled with real pace and venom on a greasy pitch, which included hitting skipper Dymond in the head with no helmet ,which caused some alarms for a while.

Butt ran through the tail as Dorking capitulated to 90 all out. Credit must go to Dymond for his return to the fray in search of a result ably supported by the valiant attempt of Rob Jones.

Fortunately other results went Dorking's way this weekend leaving them still in the hunt with an important match at top the table Addiscombe on Saturday.