light between themselves and the chasing pack on Saturday with a stunning victory against second-placed Godalming.

With the intention of giving his much vaunted bowling attack the chance to break the opposition, Dave Thomas put Godalming in to bat on a good-looking Rec wicket.

But although the bowling was as tight as usual and runs were hard to come by, wickets did not fall and some useful partnerships caused some tremors in the Churt camp.

Scott Power took two wickets, but at drinks, with some 30 overs left to bat, Godalming were well placed at 80-3 and the dangerous Derek Agie was looking to break free.

A response was needed and aggressive fielding and bowling from both ends resulted in an amazing crash of wickets, with Power emerging as the arch destroyer. The left-arm spinner's accuracy and, in particular, steep bounce – three wickets fell to bat-pad catches – was too much for the visitors' brittle batting line-up and he took 8 for 46 in 17 overs. With Martin Souter bowling well in support, Godalming were bundled out for 97 and an easy Churt win seemed to be on the cards.

Churt, however, were mindful of previous collapses when chasing small totals and set about their task in a measured, disciplined fashion.

The early loss of Daniel Higgins merely steeled Robbie Souter and Power for the fight, and they dug in to see off a fierce opening spell of 18 unbroken overs from the Godalming fast men, including the former Frensham and Farnham player Danny Coldicott.

After having a confident lbw shout turned down, Coldicott worked up a good head of steam, but, well as he bowled, finished the day wicketless.

With the job almost done, Souter perished after a gritty knock, having made five in 16 overs, and it was left to Jon Palmer and Power to see their team home in style.

Churt won by eight wickets with 15 overs remaining. Power rounded off a memorable match by scoring an unbeaten 55, while Palmer played some crisp shots in making 28 not out.

Churt's promotion charge shows no sign of flagging. They have been seeing off title rivals by huge margins, with each week bringing a new bowling hero.

Olinda Vandals provide the next obstacle this Saturday, again at the Rec.

GODALMING 97 (S Power 8-46, M Souter 2-18).

CHURT 98-2 (S Power 55 not out, J Palmer 28 not out).