Sir Jackson rides again

Surrey Championship Division 3 1st XI
Oxted and Limpsfield CC 1st XI – 277 – 3 dec (51 overs)
Old Wimbledonians CC 1st XI – 211 – 9 (49 overs)

Oxted and Limpsfield CC winning draw

It was yet another scorcher as 1st took on 3rd where neither side could afford to lose in the race for promotion.

The opposition won the toss and elected to bowl on a dry flat track. Stuart Fletcher and Skipper Simon Jackson opened and immediately made the most of the conditions, pushing the score along at a decent rate. Just after the partnership had reached 50 in 10 overs, Fletcher was out for 13.
Nadeem Durrany joined Jackson at the crease and both continued to play their shots. Jacksons 50 was brought up just as Oxted reached 100 runs. They were now fully motoring and Old Wimbledonians didn’t know how to react.

With the score on 133, Durrany attempted one more big shot and was bowled by Johnno Gordon for 26. This brought Jack Lloyd to the crease, fresh from his 93 for the 2nd team last week. With a point to prove, Lloyd took his time initially; keen to repeat his performance for the clubs flagship side. Playing the ball late, showing a newly acquired patience, Lloyd showed a perfect balance of timing and power, as he helped forge a partnership with Jackson.

Simon Jackson too, was playing exceptionally well, showing the class and technique that earned him a place in the Jamaican National team. He was to bring up his chance-less ton in the 34th over; Oxted now 158-2 with a great platform to post a huge score.

With wickets still in hand, Jackson now expanded his game, looking to push the score on quicker. Unfortunately for Old Wimbledonians, everything he made contact with appeared to evade their fielders. The pairs 100 partnership came and went, Oxted pushing the score past 230 and then 250.
With overs ticking down, Jackson brought up his 150; the highest league score by an Oxted and Limpsfield 1st team player for at least 15 years. Lloyd was now on strike and next ball he brought up his own 50. This was all action cricket as the following ball Jackson was caught by John Culley to depart the field to a standing ovation from all watching.

Ben Fullard was the new man in and together he and Lloyd continued to add to the score. Skipper Jackson eventually declared with the score on 277-3. Fullard 8 not out with Jack Lloyd finishing on a superb 66 not out.

After tea, Oxted started the task of bowling Old Wimbledonians out. 277 was a good score but on this pitch, it was definitely gettable.

Fullard was the first to get the breakthrough, trapping Sealy-Fisher in front with the score on 31. Shortly after he had another wicket; Keeper Mike Wood showing incredible skills with a stumping down leg side.
The oppositions overseas player Cp Singh was patient, but continued to push the score up. Ross Powell was introduced and bowled well however Oxted were still conceding runs at a higher rate than they would have liked.
At the halfway point, Old Wimbledonians were just ahead on 147-3 with both batsmen going well. This partnership was key for them however Powell was to end it as he picked up his second wicket before then picking up his third - OW’s skipper Johnno Gordon for yet another 0 against OLCC!

The opposition continued to push and when John Harris was caught on the boundary, Oxted thought they had all but wrapped the game up, however it was deemed that Andy Starlings catch on the boundary was not valid. Following a 10 minute break for the umpires to discuss with the two captains, the departing batsmen was eventually called back.
Harris wasn’t to last much longer however, as Mcilwraith picked up his wicket, with a catch in the deep from Fletcher.

While Singh continued to look good at one end, Oxted new that they could pick up wickets at the other, however overs were running out. Powell picked up his 4th, and Jack Lloyd was involved with 2 run outs to leave the opposition at 210-9.
Singh was on strike and required 5 for his ton. In a moment of selfish madness he did try to hit a maximum to get these runs off the last ball of the game, however agonisingly for the Oxted fielders, the ball trickled inches past the stumps.

This result means Oxted and Limpsfield remain top of division 3 (240 pts), their lead over 2nd placed Dorking is down to just under 2 games. They are however now ahead of third place by over 2 games, and ahead of 3rd place by 4 games with 6 games to go.

Natterbox Man of the Match goes to Skipper Simon Jackson for his superb 150. Truly one of the best innings you are likely to see. Next week Oxted are at home to Ashford who they beat first game of the season. 1pm start at Master Park.