Malden Wanderers collapsed to a crushing 108-run defeat at the hands of Guildford in Saturday’s Surrey Championship Premier Division clash.
The day’s events started well for Malden, with David Balcombe and Neil Mander bowling exceptionally well in tandem and restricting Guildford’s batters.
Simon Crampton and Walters continued to apply the pressure and, at lunch, Malden appeared to be on top with Guildford stalling at 70-3.
A patient innings by Dean Skidmore (37) provided the support for Carmen Mapa- tuna, who appeared to change gear as the Guildford innings suddenly came to life.
Mapatuna quickly acceler- ated to 101 before he was caught in the deep but then some lusty blows from Tinoi Christie (44 off 21 balls, including four sixes) saw the momentum swing in Guildford’s favour.
Malden were shell-shocked as they opened their innings, with both openers dismissed in quick succession.
Surrey duo Walters (34) and Laurie Evans both looked to exert some authority on the Guildford attack, but some loose shot selection saw Malden go into tea at 65-5.
Things continued to go from bad to worse for Malden at 83-7, only for the slump to be steadied momentarily by David Gorrod (14 off 65) and Giles Puckle (12 off 40).
At 116-9 with almost 20 overs still to bat, Malden were down and out.
A last wicket stand between Mander (34 not out) and Crampton kept their hopes alive but the pair fell seven balls short of saving the draw.
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