DCC 1stXI Make Successful Start in Division 2

Dorking welcomed Bank of England for their first home league fixture in Surrey Championships Division 2. Dorking had a tough preseason booked in this year to test themselves against the higher league teams. Which they were successful in beating local rival’s leatherhead from the league above. Dorking looking in full strength with positive recruitment over the winter.

Dan Douthwaite, Henry Cameron, Henry Glynn all among the debutant’s earning their baggie’s.
Skipper Scott Kelsey won the toss and elected to bat. Dorking’s Rob Chave and Douthwaite had the job of opening but Jack O’Brien was straight into his rhythm, bowling in great areas. He picked up his reward early when Douthwaite was caught for 6. Then with his next delivery strikes again taking Cameron’s edge.

Dorking in huge trouble with the score 16-2 but Rob Chave and Jason Swift started a huge recovery with counter attacking shots finding the boundary regularly. The Pair took the score to 112 just shy of the hundred partnership before Chave’s fantastic innings was broken on 51 off 44 balls. Swift carried on the fashion until he was stroke the pad and fell for important 60. Captain Kelsey and Ward had the job of settling the ship before drinks which they did successfully. Kelsey started looking in great touch with classy boundary’s flowing. Ward was just intent in staying there with the skipper. Unfortunately, kelsey then went after a ball that wasn’t quite there. (20)

Score now 158-5 and hugely in the balance. Bank of England went on the hunt for wickets, Miller now at the crease showing great patience and timing. Ward had by this stage picked up a few more boundaries and with the score reaching 189 he played a careless shot and throw and hard fought innings away (23). Young Rogers didn’t last long and Dorking were staring down the barrel until something incredible from Miller and Blood. A partnership that took the game away from Bank of England. Blood played in his aggressive nature hitting 55 of 45 balls and Miller playing with freedom 59* unbeaten. Dorking ended the innings on 323-8.
After scrumptious teas which both teams and officials enjoyed, Dorking took to the field, Miller and Glynn took responsibility over the new ball. Miller (2-25) Confident after his batting display didn’t take long to find an edge straight into the skipper’s buckets at slip. With Miller bowling economy, James Woodroof and Ed jones of Bank of England took their frustration out on Glynn. Glynn was very unlucky with number of inside and outside edges just missing the stumps. With the score 71-1 and a comeback building Ward (2-38) came into the attack and broke the partnership and taking the pair of them in one over to sting the chances of Bank of England chasing Dorking’s 323.

Creditability to Bank of England they kept fighting and put on another 70-run partnership, but Jason Swift (4-36) bowled with full control and proving too good for the opponents. Swift also took two wickets in an over. The economical Skipper came into the attack bowling tricky areas to score off.

S Kelsey (1-18) and Young Charlie Edwards (1-28) both picked up a wicket each. Young Edwards really showing his improvement over the winter and proving to be an exciting talent for Dorking. Kit Winder batting at 8 top scored for Bank of England with 42, him and Sam Hawley (36) gave a positive ending to the game as they ensured 4 batting points for the visitors as were bowled out for 231.

Dorking won by 92 runs and look forward to next weekend where they welcome Old Rutlishians to Pixham.