Surrey Championship Challenge Cup Group 5 – 8th August 2020
Chipstead Coulsdon & Walcountians CC, 201-5 (20 points) beat Sutton CC, 197-8 (3 points) by 5-wickets.
At the beautifully appointed Shabden Park, on a stifling, hot afternoon, 71-runs from opener Nick Woods led Chipstead to a comfortable five-wicket victory over Sutton in the third round of the Championship’s, ‘Challenge Cup’.
Sutton managed a below-par 197-8, a score Chipstead breezed past with 6-overs remaining, after Sutton’s captain Luke Smith, winning the toss, elected to bat.
Sutton’s total was boosted by stands of 56 in 75 balls for the 3rd wicket between Smith, (43), and Etinder Bopara, (43); and 45 in 33 balls, for the 6th wicket between Rehan Ratnasapabathy, (15), and Sam Woods (23).
Sutton’s tail wagged a bit. Dan Edwards, (13 no), and Connor Griffin, (13), scoring rapidly, helped; but as time ran out it became obvious that the final total of 197-8, on an excellent batting strip, was almost certainly no real challenge. Batting sensibly at a rate of just under 5-runs an over would surely see Chipstead home; and so, it transpired.
After the first ball of Griffin’s 2nd over, Chrisopher Thompson was trapped LBW for 17, leaving Chipstead at 20-1. Opener Nick Woods (71) was then joined by Chipstead’s skipper, Tom Lister (56). By the time Lister fell to a Josh Blake catch at point, bowled Bopara, 108-runs had been added in 98 balls; and at 128-2, Chipstead were well on their way to victory.
Despite a late flurry of wickets, (Ratnasapabathy 5-0-32-3) Chipstead recorded the second of their, ‘Challenge Cup’, campaign wins, as they cruised past the required total of 198 with 6-overs left.
Continuing to struggle with the 40/40 over format, this deflating defeat leaves Sutton without a win in the three, ‘Challenge Cup’, rounds played so far. Next up are Oxted & Limpsfield CC at Cheam Road, Saturday 15th August, (1.00pm start). Always good to win at home, lads!
Pre-match warm-up. 
Post-match debrief….intense but friendly.
A link to a really lovely news clip: Shepherds Bush Cricket Club in West London – where four veteran players reminisce about cricketing glory, address the racism they encountered and reflect on what the future might hold for their beloved sport. Please click here to view.
Sutton CC’s 2XI beat Dorking CC 2nd XI on Saturday at Cheam Road by 7-wickets; and now stand joint top of Group 18. View the result details here.
For all the Club’s weekend results please click here.
The Third Man 