HASLEMERE dominated in all departments, but ultimately fell one wicket short of beating Maori Oxshott in this Surrey Championship Division Five match.

The visitors opted to bowl first in overcast conditions at the Rec, but Lee Clement and Leigh Thayre scored freely and moved swiftly to 50 before the skipper fell to Steve Saker.

Clement and Sam Williams added another 49, while Scott Boxall, promoted up the order after last week’s heroics, launched a big six, only to be caught next ball, leaving Haslemere 111-3.

The scene was set for a dash by the middle order and Simon Eastment, joining Williams, continued his fine form by smashing three huge sixes. That first league 50 of the season again eluded him – he was caught for 46 – but the stand of 55 with Williams was ideal for the situation.

Williams showed class and composure for his 69 not out, while Chris Spooner came in late to hit a run-a-ball 28, allowing Thayre to declare at 227-6 in the 54th over.

Chris May spearheaded Haslemere’s attack in the absence of Ollie Ellis and to great effect as he reduced Maori to 47-3, prompting a timid visiting side to shut up shop early. Oscar Kolk and Callum Green added 50 for the fourth wicket, but the visitors always had their sights on one point from the losing draw.

Seven bowlers chipped away at the batting and Thayre picked up two quick wickets late on as Haslemere bowled 54 overs back at their opponents. But the double breakthrough came too late and Maori finished on 149-9.

Haslemere visit Stoke D’Abernon this Saturday.

Haslemere II travelled to Chobham II in their Fullers Surrey League match and beat their struggling opponents by ten wickets. After a lengthy delay to the start, Chobham managed just 121-9 from their reduced 38 overs. Paul Jarmain, Neil Cooper and Tom Hastilow were the pick of the bowlers.

James Macauley (54 not out) and Chris Hooker (56 not out) made the run-chase look easy and knocked off the runs between them in 25 overs, leaving Haslemere plenty of time to get back home for the football.