So Close Against League Leaders Sutton CC

Leatherhead first eleven produced a hard fought display against league leaders, Sutton, on Saturday but couldn't quite get the win they desperately need despite an incredible hundred from Olly Trower. Asked to field first the Sutton openers made steady progress but could never get away from the home side and there was some controlled bowling spells from Baker, Celliers and Dyson. With the score on 93 Leatherhead struck with a great run out from youngster Wes Hayes. This triggered a mini collapse and Sutton quickly found themselves on 114 - 4 at less than 3 runs per over. The home side knew that one more wicket was crucial with overseas professional Edmeadus and experienced player Outram at the crease. Unfortunately this was not to be and the pair accelerated the innings with masterful stroke-play and some brutal hitting late on to finish the innings on 287 - 5. The impressive Edmeadus finished on 106 from just 85 deliveries, with his second fifty runs coming from just 19 deliveries.

In reply Leatherhead began watchfully with in form batsman, Nicol and Brewster Surridge putting on 43 runs and giving the team a confident start. Four quick wickets however put the home side under pressure against an aggressive Sutton side who could sense that had the upper hand. A brief rain shower meant the Sutton spinners lost their grip of the ball regularly and youngster Trower began to fill his boots in what was a confident display. He was well supported by skipper Dyson and the pair began to rebuild - the faint hopes of a winning draw started to grow into a win with every boundary scored and all of a sudden Leatherhead were in a fabolous position with 21 needed from 3 overs with 5 wickets in hand. Trower was still at the crease. Unfortunately, with the run out of Trower for a masterful 105, the innings fell away and last man Celliers was dismissed from the final ball of the innings to hand Sutton victory. Enormous credit goes to Dyson and Trower for such a mature and hard fought display and what must be a record partnership for the club of 177.