FARNHAM’S destruction of Egham last Saturday should put them in good spirit for this weekend’s tough assignment – the short journey to leaders Camberley.
There was no sign of the mayhem to follow when Egham opted to bat in benign conditions at Vicarage Road.
But the fired-up Tom Andrews and Ben Ungaretti bowled with pace and venom from the start and the home side simply could not deal with it.
Andrews snapped up two wickets with just two runs scored and, in between, Ungaretti bowled Andy Gilmour. And when Andrews had Jake Harvey caught behind by Joel Walker, Egham were in disarray at 6-4 after nine overs.
The pair were giving a master class in new-ball bowling. Andrews consistently hit the ‘fourth stump’ line and swung the ball away at pace, while Ungaretti bowled like a man possessed as he charged in, ball after ball, in the afternoon heat.
Skipper Dave Risk tried his best to rally his side, but there was always an inevitability about where each batsman’s innings was heading as Farnham ruthlessly worked their way through the line-up.
Egham might have sensed some potential respite when Tom Grimes changed the bowling, but any relief proved short-lived as Josh Berry, Farnham’s own Chris Tremlett, steamed in and consistently put the ball past the shoulder of the batsmen.
Andrews continued his demolition job and returned memorable figures of 7-17 from 15 overs as Egham crashed out for 36 in 29.3 overs. Berry picked up 2-6 in 6.3 overs and Ungaretti 1-12 from his sustained eight-over burst.
Egham paceman Marlon Cornelius also pounded in aggressively, but Farnham made light work of the chase as James Berry and Nathan Thorpe put on 32 in a brisk opening partnership.
Elliott Hook bowled Berry and then induced Walker to chip a catch to mid-on with the scores level. Farnham eased home within 10 overs to secure maximum points.
Skipper Grimes was in buoyant mood after back-to-back wins for Farnham. “The morale and energy is superb as we continue to get the big things right, but it’s the small things and marginal gains that really makes the difference – such as the tenacity with which Rob Dale demands the ball for shining at mid-on and the enthusiasm with which Jim Berry celebrates wickets. It’s a great side to be a part of.”
Camberley’s 100 per cent record came to an end last Saturday in another low-scoring game. After nine straight victories, Camberley were shot out for 79 by Chessington who then lost seven wickets in getting the runs.