Week 9 summary

The 1XI hosted Old Hamptonians and were looking to return to winning ways after defeat last week. Epsom were put into bat and a solid opening stand between Bird and Zeb boded well for the home side. The Epsom innings continued to develop well with skipper Edwards batting well for 79 and supported by 38 from Lowe moved the Es to a decent total of 221.
In response Dunn snared two early wickets as Old Hamptonians slumped to 22-2. Unfortunately that would be as good as it got for the hosts, as a mammoth 3rd wicket partnership knocked off the majority of the total and OH managed a comfortable win losing just one more wicket in the process.

Scorecard here

The 2XI travelled to table topping Chipstead, Couldson & Walcoutions. The home side won the toss and chose to bat first, a decision that was vindicated when the opening pair raced to a rapid 160 opening partnership, putting Epsom firmly on the back foot. An excellent stumping from Fairlie-Clarke off Berry removed the opposition opening bat (having made an thumping 106) and that proved the catalyst for Epsom to claw their way back into the game. Berry bowled well in tandem with Abeywickrama (4-70) and, supported by good fielding, the Es reduced the run rate and took wickets. Chipstead eventually declared on 275 after 46 overs, a large total but well short of where they would have been aiming after 15 overs.
To chase a big total you need a big partnership. After losing Nickels and Jones early, Ben Hudson and Will Baker provided just that. Both batted sensibly but punished loose bowling and the chase was on. When both Hudson and Baker departed (for 66 and 63 respectively), Epsom needed 100 from 20 overs. Berry (37) and Abeywickrama (29) knocked it around and kept the Es up with the rate but as the 2s chased runs, wickets also fell. As the last few overs approached the Es trod the delicate line between going for the win but also not sacrificing wickets. Eventually Compton and Tuck found themselves at the crease with 1 wicket remaining, 24 runs required and around 8 overs left before cut off thanks to fast over rates. Both batted sensibly and tension among the fielding side grew. Sadly the last wicket fell with the Es just 5 away from completing a famous victory but leaving the team with many positives for next week.

Scorecard here

Unfortunately the 3XI were unable to raise a side and had to concede.

Next week the 1XI travel to Old Whitgiftians, the 2XI host Leatherhead and the 3XI play away vs Wimbledon 4XI.

Updated 17:20 - 29 Aug 2019 by Tom Nickels