OLD MID-WHITGIFTIAN 143
PYRFORD 67
The Surrey Championship Division Two promotion race is set for a thrilling conclusion this weekend after Old Mid-Whitgiftian defeated Pyrford to move to within three points of second-placed Purley.
Mids began impressively with the bat as Gary Butcher (40) and the returning Ben Shorten (12) put together an opening stand of 49 in just 11 overs.
Jesse James continued from where he left off in the previous match, playing some fine shots to relieve the pressure temporarily but Hirst removed Butcher and then had Warne caught at slip as Pyrford fought back once more.
James who was brilliantly caught at mid-wicket by Ben Hunt for 40, before Mids lost their last eight wickets for just 47 runs to be bowled out for a disappointing 143.
In reply, key batsman Hopkins was caught behind off Tony Brugnoli in only the second over and the top order crumbled completely there after.
Martin Snow was adjudged lbw to Gary Butcher for 17, before Brugnoli claimed three more wickets while Gardner and Butcher chipped in with one each at the other end as Pyrford slumped to the brink of an embarrassing defeat at 39 for seven.
But Mids struggled to find the penetration required to kill the game, until Stillwell, Wood and last man Honour were removed.
Mids now travel to Old Emanuel needing to better Purley's result in the final round of matches to gain promotion in what has been a memorable season..
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