HASLEMERE recorded their first Surrey Championship victory in a strange game that produced 17 wickets for only 147 runs, and this on a decent track at the Recreation Ground. The bounce was true throughout – it was just very good bowling.

Chertsey, who had beaten an under-strength Haslemere in a pre-season friendly, confidently chose to bat. It turned out to be a horrible decision by captain Greg Burton.

Ollie Ellis and Billy Boxall used the new ball to great effect and were quickly amongst the wickets. Boxall took two from his seven overs, while Ellis – perhaps the pick of the attack with a good rhythm and serious pace – conceded just 17 runs in ten overs, taking two excellent wickets and deserving more.

Chertsey, 29-3, tried to hit their way out of trouble as Simon Eastment joined the attack, but the dangerous Burton gave keeper Pete Dudley his third catch and the visitors were 42-4.

Wickets continued to tumble. Leg-spinner Keaghan Cronin was introduced and promptly took two wickets in two balls to leave the opposition reeling on 56-7.

The innings was summed up when number 10 Dan Shepherd left his crease and Dudley rolled the ball 15 yards to stump him – rather embarrassing. So Chertsey were all out for 71 in 27.2 overs.

Haslemere could not have got off to a worse start chasing a low total if they had tried. Openers Lee Clement and Chris Spooner departed before a run had been scored, with fielders all round the bat.

Spooner was bowled by young overseas off-spinner Leon Van Vuuren, tasked with opening the attack. Turning the new ball a fair distance, he then had Alex Hooker caught bat and pad and Haslemere were 7-3.

The pace and spin combination continued to do damage and Sam Williams was caught off quickie Jacob Loveridge.

A partnership was needed and Eastment and Chris Sturt steadied the ship, batting with patience and waiting for the bad ball.

The pair put on a match-winning 41 runs, taking their team to within four of the total before both fell with the score on 68, looking to finish the game in a hurry.

Dudley and Cronin completed the three-wicket win after 22 overs.

Haslemere can take pride in their bowling and fielding, but the batting needs to stiffen up as they prepare to host Battersea Ironsides this Saturday.