Reports 5h June

Cheam – 342-9 winning draw against Spencer – 286-7

 Figures of 6 for 72 for Tim Scott and an innings of 108 from David Houpapa weren’t quite enough to secure a win for Cheam as they could only manage a winning draw against Spencer.

In the first match of the traditional format of this league, a flat pitch, fast outfield and a boiling hot day meant that this fixture promised to be a run-fest. It was Cheam who were given first use of the batting friendly conditions as Spencer’s captain, Neil Baker, won the toss and elected to bowl at Peaches Close. Despite the early setback of losing Marcus Jones with the score on just 16, Cheam began to dominate with Houpapa tearing in to Spencer’s opening bowlers.

Cheam continued to score quickly with Chris Salmons scoring 40 from 42 balls before being judged LBW to Patrick Turk. Following the dismissal of Cheam captain Danny Miller, Steve Clark came to the wicket and along with Houpapa scored swiftly to move Cheam’s score on to 224 before Houpapa was stumped off the bowling of Ivo Hobson. Houpapa finished with a superb 108 from 104 balls having scored 10 fours and 3 sixes.

Clark batted on with the lower order to finish just short of a deserved hundred when he was caught by Baker off Conor Radloff. This innings signalled a welcome return to form with the bat for Clark as he was out for 96 with the score on 305. Cheam added another 22 runs before declaring after 60 overs with the score at 342 for 9.

This left Spencer 60 overs to reach their target but they also lost an early wicket as Krishna Sivakumaran was caught and bowled by Clark in the second over of the innings. A 129 run partnership then followed as opener Andrew Mawson and Luke Billingham took advantage of the batsman’s paradise. Mawson was eventually removed for 59 as Spencer were well in contention of reaching their target with the score at 133.

Leigh Harrison continued his good form and spell of bad luck as he bowled 16 overs up the hill for no wickets. He is sure to run through sides when he finally gets a bit of luck. Along with off spinner Tim Scott, they managed to slow the run rate and this added pressure led to wickets falling. Spencer were at 252 for 3 before Billingham was stumped by Michael Burgess off the bowling of Scott for an excellent 121 off 136 deliveries. Only seven more runs were added before captain Baker was bowled by Scott which signalled the end of Spencer’s hopes of a successful run chase.

Scott managed to pick up two more wickets and ended with figures of 6 for 72 off 19 overs whilst Spencer ambled their way to 286 for 6 off their 60 overs. This meant that Cheam had earned a winning draw and received four points whilst Spencer were handed one.

Meanwhile, Cheam’s 2^nd XI also managed a winning draw away at Old Wimbledonians whilst the 3^rd and 4^th XI’s both lost. Next week Cheam will be looking to capture their first win for a month as they travel to Croham Road to take on big spenders Old Whitgiftians.