With heavy rain overnight it seemed like many matches would be abandoned including this latest Premier division game between Sandhurst and Crown Wood, but upon arriving at Sandhurst, the pitch and outfield seemed in remarkably good condition and play got underway on time.

Crown Wood won the toss and bowled on a damp, but drying, wicket. James Taylor and Ravi Godbole used the damp pitch admirably and Taylor got the first breakthrough getting skipper Chris Pharo caught at backward point. This brought Dave Hambrook to the crease with Graham Sanders, with a second wicket partnership of 83 they ground out the hard yards against a pitch that spat and popped off a length. Early on moving at one or two runs an over, accelrating only after 25 overs, the value of their partnership was evident later in the innings as the preserved wickets allowed the later batsmen to open their shoulders. Sanders went on to well-deserved 50, including one massive six, before being Taylor's next victim. Two quick wickets followed but Adam Birch and Andrew Tutty struck the ball hard and in gaps to get Sandhurst to a competitive 166-5 off 45 overs. James Taylor bowled with good pace to take 4-56.

The Crown Wood reply began well enough but a destuctive spell of bowling from Andrew Bradshaw changed things. Getting bounce and movement from the drying pitch Bradshaw had Wedatilake and Rubbani caught behind, and Godbole caught at gully. in the space of 6 balls. At 30-4 Crown Wood were simply looking to survive. However Jay Jeyerajah had different ideas and played a resolute innings for Wood, mixing watchful defense with the odd big hit on his way to a 50. Sandhurst continued to take wickets but Crown Wood decided the draw was the best option in the cir*****stances and held on at 127-9. Bradshaw finished with 4-34 from 15 overs, Aron Shallom 4-38 from 15 overs.

Sandhurst will be disappointed not to get their second win from this game, but they stay well up the table, leaving Crown Wood languishing near the foot and needing to improve their game to remain competitive.