DCC travelled to local rivals Epsom in the First Round of Surrey Championship T20. Club skipper Toby won the toss and chose to bat on what looked a good deck. Despite losing Lister early, Bradley Erasmus and Ben Rogers put Dorking in a good position after the powerplay. Erasmus was particularly dismissive on anything over pitched and struck some powerful boundaries early in the innings. Ben played nicely for his 17 and alongside the new batsman Homewood, Dorking carried on their merry way. The 100 was reached in the 12th over and Erasmus reached his maiden 50. Homewood batted with ease and played some wonderful late cuts to the boundary to keep the scoreboard ticking. Erasmus was now in full flow and was strong through the leg side. Homewood was bowled by Somerford for a well made 23 but that meant captain Blood made his way to the crease with the score on 140. Brad reach his maiden 100 for the club with a 4 over cover and then put his foot firmly on the throttle. The score was racing now as Brad struck 4 sixes in a row before being caught on the midwicket boundary for 138 from 66 balls including 12 sixes. Blood finished the innings with a 4 through point as Dorking finished on 213-4 from their 20 overs.

Epsom started well in response and raced to 34-0 from 4. Lee bowled with good pace and troubled the batsman with the short ball. Youngsters Kenway and Charlie bowled well and picked up wickets each. Ward returned at the death superbly well and Erasmus continued his fine work in the game as he picked up 2-25. Special mention to Barney in the field!

A good win by 74 runs as Dorking head into the 2nd round against Ashtead on Bank Holiday Monday.

9/9 for the club this week.