On the hottest Saturday of the season so far, third-placed Vandals entertained second-placed Horley at Brownacres. This fixture last season produced a convincing victory for the home side, so they were hopeful of repeating that feat and leapfrogging the visitors into the promotion places.

Horley won the toss and elected to bat. Convenient, really, as the Vandals skipper would have bowled first in any event. The first wicket came early on, with “Dad” Woo Powell taking a superb one-handed diving catch to his right, gifting “Son” Oscar Powell his first wicket, and reward for a tight opening spell.

Horley’s stand out batsmen added 104 for the second wicket, but the match never got away from Vandals. Scott Baker and “Posh Spice” Sebastian Harrower bowled tidily. Nathan Baily was undone on 56 when he ran past one and was bowled by Scotty. Regan Derham (70) was next to depart, when he skied a ball and was caught by Sam Buckell off the bowling of “The Chef” James Martin.

Ware (Hertfordshire, 17 runs) was trapped LBW by the returning Mark Fenton (2/10) from the newly dubbed “Weybridge End”, followed by Taylor who was bowled by the Chef (2/21 from 5 overs).

The first XI did well to keep the score down – particularly the bowlers – and, despite feeling the heat, stuck together throughout the innings. Arthur “Jess” Glynn took a good catch to cap a fine fielding effort from him, giving Shark his second wicket.

Horley declared on 229/6 from 49.5 overs. Despite going into the dressing room thinking we could have fielded a lot better, the lads were upbeat about their chances of chasing 230, and felt collectively that a par score might have been around 260.

The chase didn’t get off to a good start, when Sam was adjudged LBW despite hitting the ball. Sometimes the judge misses some of the evidence and that’s cricket. The 1st XI didn’t back down, with Dan hitting some fine strokes; particularly showing his batting talent behind square on the off side to the pace bowlers and Seb Harrower playing with his usual confidence and decisive stroke-making. Seb (21) departed at 61, followed by Dan just after first drinks to leave Vandals 64/3. The core of Powells both failed to score, and the match had changed somewhat. At 64/5, our chances of victory had slimmed somewhat.

Amandeep Singh and Arthur batted watchfully, looking to score where possible but, having lost three for one, it was important the first XI didn’t collapse in a flurry of wickets.

Arthur was dismissed with the score on 87 and the victory now beyond Vandals’ reach. Arthur was impressive in this knock and we’ve now seen him look to score quickly against Effingham and bat watchfully here against Horley. Impressive application from a young batter and I’m positive the experience will enhance his ability and confidence even further.

Garry Foreman, having discussed the legendary innings by Sasi at Hampton Hill, where he was required to block out the last ball of a time game with 9 wickets down (and smashed the last ball through mid on for 4), strode to the crease telling all who could hear him that it was not in his game to bat out 14 overs for a draw. Credit where it is due, though, as Gaz, having tried to smash the first ball for four on the sweep, then batted with care with Amandeep to take a losing draw. The innings concluded when Garry was adjudged stumped by the home umpire, and Vandals ended 152/7.

Not a classic for the First XI but preventing Horley to pull away from us in the league table was vital having lost four quick wickets in the middle of the innings.

The First XI always like to take responsibility for themselves when analysing matches and after the game it was consensual among the players that the fielding cost us – heat or no heat – with some ones becoming twos too easily at times and a few dropped catches. Credit should also be given to the opposition, who batted well – particularly when pushing the runs between the wickets – and took their opportunities to score.

There are always learning points from a game of cricket and here it would be that we need to stay sharp in the field and back up our bowlers for 50 overs if we are to expect to win matches and compete at the top of the table. The table is very tight this year so we will need as much team cohesion as possible and to make sure we learn from every match.

A special mention must be made to the three players who stepped up to the first XI this week in what was a very trying week for the selectors, with lots of players away or injured. The Chef bowled very well despite very little bowling behind him, Gaz showed care and application with the bat and Arthur’s fielding and batting impressed the team too.

Next Saturday sees the Vandals travel to Newdigate, which is always an entertaining fixture. Fans of Connor Baker will be able to finally see him play next Saturday and fans of beer will be able to drink it with him when we stay for a pint with the opposition afterwards.