REIGATE Priory's Neil Saker is in talks with the Unicorns side who are playing against county opposition this season.

The Reigate Priory ace has impressed at Park Lane, adding to his proficiency as a bowler by matching that with the bat last weekend.

Unfortunately his 69 could not help Priory to victory as they were toppled from the Surrey Championships summit when a batting collapse caused defeat at Malden Wanderers.

Skipper Chris Murtagh has been among those impressed with Saker's form.

"Sakes batted really well on Saturday, which is excellent to see.

"The signs are he can be that all rounder that every side is looking for. It's just down to him to be consistent now."

He has come to the attention of the Unicorns through Murtagh, the former Surrey cricketer who is in the side that competes in the Pro40 tournament.

Murtagh added: "He is having talks with the Unicorn management about playing the second half of that competition. The side is a big shop window."

Meanwhile, Murtagh hopes Alex Mendis can return from injury to bolster his side as they look to return to victorious ways against Sunbury this weekend, before hosting surprise package and leaders Ashtead the following week.

Murtagh described the fixtures as really important as Priory look to challenge for the title.

Sunbury have lost their last three games but sit third.

"Last weekend was quite disappointing," said Murtagh of the defeat to Malden. "But we'd been playing some good cricket up to then.

"At tea we were well placed and just suffered a batting collapse which sometimes can happen."

One positive was Stuart Hume's 100th wicket (he took 3-54) for the club's first team, putting him in an elite category at the club.

"Everyone was delighted for him. He has been great for us this year," reflected the skipper.

However, Priory were without Jason Roy, whose Surrey Twenty20 commitments took preference and they face losing him again this weekend.

Murtagh, who scored 70 as his combined minor counties team was beaten by 15 runs by Roy's Surrey seconds on Monday, said: "It's bad news for us in a way because he can't play, but great news that one of the guys is playing first XI cricket for Surrey and doing so well."

Roy hit an unbeaten 101 last Wednesday, the first time a century had been scored in T20 by a Surrey player.

"It didn't come as that much of a surprise to us," said Murtagh, who was skipper last year as Roy helped blast the Llamas to the national club T20 finals day.

"We've seen it before and knew what he could do. It's about him getting the opportunity."