Surrey Cricket Championship | ECC Week 10 Report

The 1st XI travelled to Chobham, fielding first after winning the toss. This decision almost immediately paid dividends with Dominic Brown soon removing one of their openers.

Despite the early inroad, Chobham put together a measured century partnership for the second wicket, before George Noble (4 for 44) curtailed the home side’s resistance.

Following this, led by Noble’s excellent spell, Chobham were never really able to gain momentum in their innings, losing wickets at regular intervals as they posted 206 for 8 from their 50 overs.

In response, the firing Effingham batting line up made a strong start to the chase, with Benji Thomas (38) and Max James (52) putting on 99 for the first wicket.

Following this, Jordan Bond continued his excellent form to ensure that the win was never really in doubt, peeling off 65* to make it three half centuries in as many matches as Effingham claimed a five wicket victory.

Second XI

The Effingham 2nd XI came out on top against Godalming to claim their first win of the season and ensure 40 points for the Saturday teams.

Winning the toss and batting first, the 2nd XI put together a series of starts without converting them into any meaningful scores, with the picks of the top and middle order being Dom Carpenter (28) – promoted to an opening berth – and Adam Ransom (28).

While things looked shaky for the Ships at 143 for 8, a remarkable innings from Ishtiaq Muhammad from number 10 put Effingham in the ascendency.

Muhammad, striking five 6s and five 4s, flayed the Godalming attack to all parts as he scored 61 from just 26 deliveries. He was ably supported by last years’ captain Nick Bond (29*), and led Effingham to a very defendable 221 all out.

Godalming’s chase never really gained traction in response, with an all round tidy performance with the ball keeping them constantly behind the run rate.

Muhammad capped off a stellar day, taking 2 for 10 in an opening salvo, with Nick Bond and Sam Cobb also providing excellent pace on the ball to leave the visitors struggling at 45 for 4.

From then on, spin dominated the show, James Blair leading the charge with an excellent 4 for 24, restricting their middle and lower order and making the 2nd XI’s first win of the season a case of when and not if.

With Dom Carpenter and Freddie Fox each picking up a wicket, the 2nd XI were able to finally convert a good performance into 20 points, coming out on top by 58 runs.

Effingham 1st XI 209-5 beat Chobham 1st XI 206-8 by 5 wickets

Effingham 2nd XI 221 all out beat Godalming 2nd XI 163 all out by 58 runs