Worplesdon v Effingham ends in stalemate

Worplesdon & Burpham 2^nd XI v Effingham 2^nd XI

Fuller’s Brewery Surrey County League – 3^rd Division

With the weather having claimed Effingham’s 1^st XI fixture, it provided an opportunity to follow the 2^nd XI to Worplesdon & Burpham for the Fullers 3^rd Division league match.

Following the loss of the toss, threatening skies caused a few breaks in Effingham’s innings, and despite being surrounded by storm clouds, a dry spell produced a sound opening stand of 38 between Asim Iqbal (22) and Cameron Walters (27). This gave the visitors a solid foundation on which to build a challenging total, although this encouraging start faltered a little at 64-5. Effingham lost only two more wickets before reaching a healthy total of 192 -7, which was thanks mainly to forceful contributions from Dom Brown, who finished with 52 not out and Mal Russell, 34. They were well supported by Ben Couzens (18), and Joe Roberts, promoted from the colts, with a very competent 18 not out. The unbroken 8^th wicket stand of 60 between Dom Brown and Joe Roberts made a huge difference and gave the visitor’s bowlers something positive to focus on.

The home side made a steady start to their innings, but gradually got behind the clock, at one point needing nearly 10 an over to get over the line. Despite only losing two of their wickets, the required acceleration never really got going and a great deal of praise for that must go to Dom Brown, whose 14 overs cost only 18 runs, including 3 maidens. Other bowling credits worthy of mention are  Rob Gibbons (1-38), Joe Roberts (1-31), Josh Rafaelli, another promoted colt, (0-19 in 4 overs) and Asim Iqbal (0-23 in 9 overs).

Worplesdon & Burpham finished on 154-2, enabling Effingham to claim a well-earned winning draw.