At the two thirds point of the campaign, the contests for the AJ Sports Surrey Championship Premier Division crown and the right to stay in the elite are getting ever tighter.
ESHER V REIGATE PRIORY
They lead the table by 10 points after following up a notable victory over East Molesey with a thrilling three-run victory over Esher.
Priory were in desperate straits at 8-3, having chosen to bat first at New Road, fighting their way to 187 all out led by George Ealham (31), Richie Oliver (33) and Fraser Sheat (36). There were vital late runs too from Tom Massey (25) and Tommy Bates (26no). Joe Lavender was the most successful bowler, collecting 3-53.
Northants all-rounder Justin Broad (24) spearheaded the reply, his departure for 25 at 75-4 a major blow for Esher. And when they saw acting captain David Brent bowled by Michael Munday for 57, it was 131-8 with Priory the warmest of favourites. Ben Townsend (3) followed at 150-9 but final pair Matthew Macpherson and Lavender (13no) inched towards victory.
The key proved to be Munday, his side looking in danger of defeat but finding a way through the defence of Macpherson (31) and earn the visitors what could well be a key victory.
Former Somerset leg-spinner Munday, never afraid to give the ball some air, finished with 4-45 from 12.2 overs.
Full report here.