HASLEMERE, defending a good total of 228-5, had Kempton eight wickets down at the finish, but had to be content with a losing draw in this ‘timed’ Surrey Championship game.

Haslemere have struggled to get intimidating totals on the board, but their top order was full of runs this time, with Chris Spooner and stand-in captain Sam Williams leading the way.

The visitors needed an acceleration against Kempton’s accurate bowling and Simon Eastment and Scott Boxall provided it.

The consistent Eastment made 49 and young Boxall hit 59 not out in very quick time, allowing a declaration at 228-5 after 55 overs.

Kempton opener Ellis Miah was soon beaten for pace as Ollie Ellis sent his stumps flying and then Billy Boxall struck to leave the home team struggling at 15-2.

However, Prabjot Cheema made a vital 84 for his side and a flurry of boundaries from Harjot Singh and Navjot Sidhu saw the home team to 197-8 in 46 overs – good enough for the extra points.

Haslemere were sharp in the field, although Cheema was dropped on 40 and that miss proved rather expensive.

Chris May was again very steady and deserved better figures than his 4-71 in 16 overs.