In I’Anson Division 1, Tilford 1st XI gained a winning draw at Grayswood. The home side won the toss and put Tilford into bat first. They lost an early wicket but captain George Ellis and James Litherland, making his debut, put on 48 runs as the score advanced to 77 before Ellis was bowled for 37. Thereafter Litherland proved to be the kingpin as he shared partnerships of 75 with Matthew Cook, 39 with Daniel Wrenn and 31 with Matt Bozier. In particular Cook led an aggressive attack hitting 50 off just 36 balls with 4 fours and 4 sixes before holing out. Litherland was finally run out on the last ball of the innings for a fine responsible innings of 77 made off 119 balls as Tilford declared on 234-7 after 45 overs with skipper Iain Jackson and Alistair Gloak each taking two wickets.

The Grayswood reply began well as Ben Jeffery and James Perrin put on 44 for the first wicket but both fell to first change bowler Matt Bozier who then took a third victim to leave the score at 50-3. Top scorer Eric Anand and Gloak added another 42 but four wickets fell for only 13 more runs, including two for off spinner Litherland. The home side were left hanging on with six overs to spare but Tilford could not prise out the eighth wicket pair and the innings ended on 128-8 after 45 overs.

Next Saturday, Elstead visit Tilford at the Green for the top of the table clash between the top two sides in what could a crucial match of the season.