OLD MID-WHITGIFTIAN 212 CRANLEIGH 136 (OMW WON BY 76 RUNS)

Manyarul Rana produced another superb display as Old Mid-Whitgiftian transformed a calamitous start into a comprehensive victory against Cranleigh to virtually guarantee their Division 2 status for next season.

Few would have forecast such an outcome after another abject performance from the OMW top order had seen them collapse to 20 for 5.

Warne, James, Butcher and Shorten all presented the Cranleigh fielders with simple catching practice while Trend fell lbw to a straight delivery.

However, Rana eased the crisis, sharing in stands of 66 with Tony Brugnoli (22) and 91 with skipper Paul Kember. Rana batted superbly for over two hours in the searing heat to score 81 while Kember’s best innings of the season earned him his first half-century. Mike Brugnoli and Paul Gardner then took advantage of Cranleigh’s tired legs in the field to help take the OMW score past the 200 mark.

Mids’ decision to retain the old ball failed to bear fruit as the Cranleigh openers made a flying start to their reply. However, the introduction of Gary Butcher and the new ball proved a watershed in the match. Butcher removed Copleston lbw with his first delivery and the innings fell away thereafter.

Two more lbw decisions followed in as many overs and when top scorer Goodyer was bowled by Rana for 40, Mids were firmly in control. The Cranleigh batsmen were unable to handle Butcher’s pace and aggression as the former Surrey all-rounder returned excellent figures of 5-42. Only McCarthy (36) offered much resistance as Cranleigh were dismissed for 136. Rana completed another fine individual display with figures of 4-72.