Javed starts season with a century

Roehampton got off to a fast start, their opening batters punishing some rusty opening bowling from Merstham openers Asim Jaffri and Humayoon Nasir, who dropped short too often on a green track. Jaffri eventually hit his straps to remove the first Roehampton opener, before first change Charan Msdian took over to control the Roehampton run rate with some vicious inswing bowling, picking up a thoroughly deserved 1-28 off 7.2 overs.

Javed and spinner Mohsin Ali joined in the attack, and despite some hefty blows from ex-England international Saj Mahmood (63, caught Javed, off Nasir), helped to bowl out Roehampton for 209, Nicholson taking four catches.

Merstham's response got off to a false start, losing both openers within the first five overs; however, a stand of 95 between club stalwarts Javed and Laurie Nicholson (32) set the Magics back on track. Javed saw it home, dismantling Roehampton's spin and remaining seam options along the way to a superb, chanceless 115 not out.

Merstham will be high on confidence heading in to their second match of the season at home to Ewell. The bar will be open from 1pm at Quality Street for any visitors interested in watching some enthralling club cricket in arguably the most beautiful setting in the county.

The second team suffered a nine wicket defeat. Jason Drewett top scored with 48 as Merstham were dismissed for 109 by Old Paulines. Liton Tarofdar took the only wicket in reply.

The third team, promoted last season, also won, having bowled out Cheam for 64 (Callum Letts 3-25, teenager Max Yates 2-6, Simon Griffin 2-12, George Corrie 3-5 in 1.3 overs).

The fourth team kicked off their season with a hard-fought win by 23 runs against Chipstead, Coulsdon & Walcountians.

Having lost the toss, Merstham were put into bat and tight opening spells from both Jim Orr (0-8) and Oliver Whittenbury (1-18) ensured they got off to a slow start having reached 30-3 after 16 overs.

Opener Ben Jones still remained unbeaten at the crease on 19 runs, and was joined by John Young as they looked to build a partnership and push up the scoring rate.

Jones and Young wrestled back the momentum of the game, sharing a 98-run partnership for the fourth wicket before John Young was caught at fine leg for an aggressive 57 off 64 balls.

Jones carried his bat through the innings to finish unbeaten on 68 from 110 balls, and along with a brisk 15 not out from Dilhan Jayamanne ensured Merstham posted a respectable 160-5 from their 40 overs.

Merstham were very disciplined in the field with tight opening spells from Ben Jones (1-23) and Fin Wilshere (1-11) ensuring the pressure remained on the hosts right from the start.

The pressure soon began to pay off and it was the left arm of Alex Reeves who finished with excellent figures of 5-24 that ensured Chipstead lost wickets at regular intervals - and ultimately could not sustain the run chase despite an aggressive 53 not out from middle order batsmen Paul Vickers.

Chipstead completed their innings on 137/8 having fallen 23 runs short in what was a very competitive opening match for the season.