GRAYSWOOD inflicted a crushing 155-run defeat on Chiddingfold in the I’Anson Division? One, treating spectators to some spectacular hitting and a five-wicket haul for off-spinner Ben Twyford on his first-team debut.

Put in by the visitors, Grayswood obliged by amassing 229-2 in just 38 overs. Tom Barnardo led the way with 88, surviving a scare on 38 when a skied shot fell between the keeper and two spectating fielders.

Barnado was eventually bowled by spinner Ben Evans, but an aggressive partnership of 80 in seven overs between Dave Soper and Andy Major allowed the early declaration. The ruthless Major struck 55 not out off 20 balls, including six sixes, while Soper contributed an unbeaten 46.

There seemed to be little spite in the wicket, yet Chiddingfold, after a steady start by skipper Paul Ward and Simon Schollar, contrived to lose five wickets with the score on 52 and were bowled out for 74 in 31 overs. Twyford returned figures of 5 for 10 from 5.5 overs.

Frensham, the early leaders, were frustrated by Tilford at Hollowdene. George Breddy, going for a fifth successive fifty, was caught behind for a mere 21, but Frensham’s top order was full of runs and Jack Richards (56 not out), Alex Warren (44) and James Wood (39) set up a midway declaration at 220-6. Nigel Martyn took four wickets, but Jason Stones was the most economical bowler.

Tilford lost an early wicket in reply and thereafter fell well behind the run-rate. Mark Ramesar batted well before falling leg before to first-change bowler Richards and four more wickets fell quickly, leaving the visitors in big trouble at 63-6.

However, Rick Seabrook (32) found a partner in Stones and these two put on 48 as Frensham tried seven bowlers in all. Ray Clarke took 3-29 off nine over and Richards 2-11 off ten miserly overs.

Frensham finally dismissed both batsmen, but Martyn and Chris Dalby made sure of the draw.

Any result was possible in the final stages of the match between Headley and Witley. Headley eventually claimed the faster-scoring draw after coming within five runs of victory.

Witley, put in to bat, were given a good start by the experienced Mark White (44) and Alex Cook. Olly Rodriguez (42) and Jimmy Hill (31) batted positively in the middle order and it was not until the introduction of the accurate Graham Badland and return of Matt Hall that Headley brought the run-rate under control and the visitors declared at 206-9 after 46 overs. Young George Worman finished with 2-29.

Headley, although losing wickets at regular intervals, kept up with the required scoring rate, thanks to good knocks from Stuart Smith and Gavin Arend and a generous helping of extras, this despite some fine bowling from Ollie Hickman.

With five wickets down and the game in the balance, Zak Benstead and Marc Hawtin (36 not out) came together in an excellent partnership and brought their side within reach of the target. When Benstead fell for 44, Headley dropped off the pace and despite some late blows by Hall, had to settle for four points on 202-7. Hickman finished with 3-49 from 12 overs.

Blackheath were content to escape with a draw after inserting Puttenham and then watching the visitors pile up 273-5 in 45 overs. The bowlers were unable to contain opener James Andrews who plundered 141 not out, including 21 fours and a six. He put on 111 for the second wicket with S Hussain (52) and James Crouch hit a fast 37 not out in an unbroken stand of 70.

In reply, Blackheath never looked like being bowled out on the good batting track. Rob Parrott’s fine 82 was the main stumbling block for the bowlers and with supporting knocks from Peter Melhuish and Harry Giles, Blackheath coasted to 179-4.

Grayshott were comprehensive winners at Dogmersfield. A warm-up injury to keeper Gary Hunt and the loss of two early wickets was not the start Grayshott wanted, but Andy Wheble (56) and James Cavannagh (59) turned things around with a fine partnership, the latter completing his first half-century for the first team.

Matt Haywood, Stuart Kennedy and Cameron Oosthuizen also weighed in and Grayshott closed on 242-5 from 45 overs.

Mark Richards’ new-ball blast then destroyed Dogmersfield’s top order, with the visitors taking every chance on offer, including three slip catches from the injured Hunt.

Rob Gregory and Danny Brown inflicted further damage and although a quickfire 30 from Bajwa took Dogmersfield up towards 100, the result was never in doubt.