Dorking’s 1st XI travelled to Old Saw Mill road for the return fixture against Sanderstead. League Promotion still in sites with 6 points between 1st and 3rd and a change in format which is now straight 50/50 for each side. Sanderstead Skipper Gregg Pettifor won the toss and elected to bat.
Dorking’s opening bowlers Corbett and Douthwaite took full use of the new ball and the bounce in the pitch. Shareef Hassan (2) was the first Sanderstead batsman to fall from a superb delivery by Corbett into the hands of Lister at first slip. Douthwaite bowled economically and beating the bat regularly. 15-1 off 8 overs was the score when Toby Blood made his first changes and that was Erasmus to replace Corbett and then Ward to replace Douthwaite. Erasmus quickly removed Tyler Ward (4) LBW and then next over Ward proved too good for Kasheef Hassan (4) when gloving one to Erasmus at slip. Score now 27-3 and Sam Owen (16) looking to counter the poor start hits one straight up off Erasmus finding Ward at mid-off. Erasmus then removes Branch who edges it to Douthwaite at second slip. Dorking fielding excellently and backing up all the bowler’s efforts. Sanderstead really in trouble at 27-5, Simon Carter came to the crease with all his experience and played positively hitting some important boundaries whilst another wicket falling the other end as Erasmus strikes again with some extra pace and bounce. At 35-6 Sanderstead built a good partnership adding 40 runs. Blood then turned to his Leg spinner Jack Myers who removed both Sullivan (7) and Carter (32). Corbett was asked to finish the innings off and he did just that picking up 2 more wickets leaving Sanderstead’s captain on 18 not out and the final score 96 all out. B Erasmus 4-24 off 7 overs, K Corbett 3-16 off 5 overs, J Myers 2-20 off 4 overs. Ward 1-5 off 4 overs. D Douthwaite and C Edwards both bowled economically.

Dorking had to face 10 overs before Tea which gave Sanderstead a big chance to take some early wickets and put some pressure back on Dorking. Shareef started very well removing Rodgers at the score 10-1 then Wilson removed the dangerous Erasmus leaving Dorking 14-2 and giving Sanderstead hope. Gale and Douthwaite saw the overs off and time for Tea’s. Once all enjoyed some lovely Tea’s Sanderstead went back out to the field needing more quick wickets. Dorking’s camp feeling a bit tense knowing the importance of the result. Gale then batted with great responsibility and Douthwaite punished any bad bowling which took the game away from Sanderstead. The pair put on 82 before Douthwaite hitting one to the fielder a ball after his 50 and needing one to win. Gale ended 32* not out. Dorking Win and keep the pressure on in the 3-horse race at the top of the table. Outstanding team performance and very professional.

Match Highlights can be found.. https://youtu.be/l8oLzFaBNAQ
Thanks to Sanderstead CC TV