CHURT demolished local rivals Haslemere with an awesome display of power cricket to further strengthen their position at the top of the Fullers Surrey League.
Missing key players such as Kym Hooker, Lee Clement, Jon Larbey and Carl Cobbold did not help the Haslemere cause against Churt's normal, formidable line-up, but skipper Andy Hastilow had no complaints. "I was very impressed with Churt. They are a great bowling side and play the game in the right way."
Dave Thomas, his opposite number, won an important toss and the visitors were invited to bat on a track that was still damp after overnight rain.
A slick run-out in the third over put them on the back foot and opening bowlers Martin Souter and Thomas set about their task with relish. Haslemere were soon reeling at 18-3 and the pacy Souter, making a welcome return to the team, included the dangerous Kevin Gray in his two victims.
However, Churt put down four catches and with Kenton Currie and Hastilow digging in, Haslemere were edging their way towards some sort of respectability.
However, Hastilow offered a soft return catch to Thomas and then Scott Power came in to cast his spell over the opposition.
In one dramatic over, the left-arm spinner took three wickets to demoralise Haslemere and with Currie gone for 37, the long tail was exposed.
Souter returned to clean up and Churt were left to chase an easy target of 85.
Power took 4 for 22 in eight overs and was matched by the relentlessly hostile Souter who bagged 4 for 20 in 10.
With all the time in the world, the Churt openers were aiming to bat through the innings, but Daniel Higgins was bowled by Ben Edmondson in the third over.
This, however, was to be Haslemere's only success as Power and the resolute Robbie Souter approached the task with a mixture of watchful defence and attacking strokes, and by tea Churt needed a mere 40 runs to complete the job.
Some aggressive bowling by Haslemere continued to make them work for the runs, but the pair hardly offered a chance as they completed the job in 26 overs, Power finishing 46 not out and Souter 20 not out.
Churt have a week off before their final two league games – away to Sanderstead and at home to Leatherhead. The title and promotion to the Surrey Championship beckons.
Haslemere, meanwhile, need a win to ensure their survival in the top division. They are home to Old Sinjuns this Saturday, still missing several regulars.
HASLEMERE
I Futcher run out 0
M Scaife b M Souter 15
K Gray c Kent b M Souter 1
K Currie c Kent b Power 37
A Hastilow c and b Thomas 7
N Thayre b M Souter 10
S Vowells b Power 0
D Boxall b Power 4
B Edmondson c Thomas b Power 0
J Hawkins lbw M Souter 0
L Thayre not out 1
Extras 9
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Total 84
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Bowling: M Souter 4-20, D Thomas 1-34, S Power 4-22.
CHURT
R Souter not out 20
D Higgins b Edmondson 4
S Power not out 46
Extras 15
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Total (for 1 wkt) 85
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Bowling: B Edmondson 1-35.