Chessington look the goods in first friendly

1:06pm Monday 28th April 2008

Preparing for their first season in Division Three of the Surrey Championship after a second consecutive promotion, Chessington tested themselves in a friendly at home to Division Two side Pyrford on Saturday.

A damp wicket meant that runs were very difficult to come by.

Chessington's 120 all out still looked a little below-par but positives came from new overseas all-rounder Luke Carter, who looked very solid in scoring 26 in these very unfamiliar and difficult conditions.

The young Australian replaced countryman Shane Healy, who had made a large contribution to last year's success, with more than 40 league wickets.

Hoosain Shaboodien top scored with 29, while Nick Bailey chipped in with 19 from 11 balls.

Pyrford soon realised how tough the wicket was to bat on as they progressed at little more than a run per over, Taidgh Randall and Nick Bailey starting well with the ball.

It took a change of bowling to make a breakthrough however, and it was Carter who got his first wicket for the club.

He went on to take 4-26 as the visitors' middle order crumbled and the game looked like finishing early at 59-8.

Kevin Dillon and Chris Norton had bagged two wickets a-piece before a late-order partnership of 31 gave the score some respectability.

Bailey came back to take a deserved wicket before Carter displayed the third string to his bow in running out the last man.

With a very similar team to last season, Chessington look in good shape for their new challenge.

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