Surrey Trust League
Stoke D’Abernon 218 for 9 (40 overs)
Merstham 171 for 8 (40 overs)
Stoke D’Abernon won by 47 runs

With the two biggest sources of players for our Academy side having matches and functions, a huge effort was require to put together a side for this match. The Stoke spirit came to the fore again and the Academy delivered a 47 run win at the Rec.

Nick Lo took charge of the side for the first time, and continued the poor Stoke toss record, however being asked to bat first was probably not a bad thing.

Adrian Taylor continued his good career record in the competition with a knock of 59, Lo himself scored 38 and Olly Trower – a pleasingly surprise late inclusion after he became free from Surrey commitments – hit 30. James Dolman, (17), and Matt Lo, (16 not out), were the only other double-figure scorers as Stoke posted 218 for 9 in their 40 overs, a total boosted by 38 extras.

In reply Stoke chipped away at the Merstham order, wickets were shared around and despite a half-century from Connolly, the visitors were restricted to 171 for 8; wickets for Giacomo Gray, Trower, Charlie Thomas and Jay Atwal. Baz Medlycott bowled a miserly spell to apply pressure early on.

The match drew a decent level of support, notably from the senior section. Jono Fowler and Paulie Ramdin watched the whole game, and Will Patrick popped his head round the door en route to Sandhurst.

Next week, the team travel to Valley End.

Scorecard Link : http://sdacc.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=11616009