After the disappointment of the loss last week against local rivals, Banstead, Priory bounced back in real style with a fantastic 6 wicket win over Surrey Cricket Championship reigning champions, East Molesey over on the banks of the River Thames.

Priory won the toss and asked the Moles to bat on a sunny and pleasant day. Throughout the innings, Priory kept the pressure on the Moles and never let them get away. Early on, the Moles slipped to 31-3, with real pressure from Dick Stevens (2-23) and Fraser Sheat (1-25). Moles recovered well though and reached the halfway 25 over point on 95-4, although losing the dangerous Clyde Reeves-Fortuin for 33 to a smart catch by Fraser McGuinness, standing up to Tom Massey.

The second half of the innings was dominated by Priory's spin attack, and after a loose first over, Mikey Munday (2-41) found his length and as ever, made an impact. Tommy Bates also bowled well and kept the Moles under control, and although not taking a wicket, bowled his 10 overs for just 27.

However, it was Tommy Ealham, making excellent progress on his return from a long-term injury, who got amongst the Moles and took 3-32, and despite a flurry at the end, led by Moles' skipper, Nick Stevens (22*), the 10th wicket fell in the 49th over and Priory were left with 182 to chase down.

In reply, Richie Oliver opened up with his newest partner, Rory Haughton, who made an impressive fist of what was for him a new role in the 1s. The pair put on 34 for the first wicket and after 10 overs, Priory were off to a good start, with the dangerous opening attack of Westphal and Porter seen off. Tommy Bates (11) and Fraser Sheat (13) both got starts but fell to the Moles' spin attack, but always at the other end, Oliver continued to score and to do so briskly, and those key partnerships of 41 and 48 with Bates and Sheat meant the target was coming into range.

Tom Massey then came in at 6 and adopted a rather different approach and with a swift 17* off 20 balls put on 44 with Oliver in quick time, as Priory breezed home in the 39th over.

Oliver ended up on a magnificent 110* but was probably all the happier to be able to walk off undefeated, with the win and points in the bag. Back up to 3rd, and within touching distance of Sutton and Wimbledon, who slipped up this week against Esher (next week's visitors to the Priory!), there is now all to play for with just 4 league matches to go in the 2025 league season.