Surrey picked up their third Championship win in style today at the Whitgift School after they chased down the 177 run victory target for the loss of just four wickets.

Things were a little hairy shortly before lunch when they were reduced to 87 for three but a James Benning onslaught immediately after the interval wiped away any thoughts of a shock defeat.

Benning clubbed nine fours and two sixes to reach a 33 ball fifty that took the game away from his opponents. His innings was just the type that captain Ronnie Irani would have feared, after such a tight morning session.

At 87 for three, another dismissal would have put the game right in the balance but Benning’s attack right from the
James Benning hitting out today onset dampened the Essex spirits and after thirty to forty quick runs had come from the Benning bat, the game had slipped away.

Earlier in the morning, Jonathan Batty fought hard for his 32 after Surrey suffered the early setback of Scott Newman who was caught behind for one off Ryan ten Doeschate. However, Batty teamed up with Mark Ramprakash and they kept the Essex attack at bay with a 44 run stand before Batty attempted a sweep shot off James Middlebrook and was bowled.

Butcher came and went quite quickly but then it was over to James Benning, who blasted his way to an unbeaten 63 from 43 balls, entertaining the Whitgift crowd all the way, to cap off Surrey’s third win in the competition. The win now places them in outright first position on the ladder, leapfrogging Essex and Derbyshire.

Surrey v Essex match scorecard

Surrey’s next match is tomorrow, again at the Whitgift School, against Hampshire in the C&G Trophy. Australian leg-spinner, Shane Warne is expected to be on show for the Hawks in what is a must win game for both teams.

The match begins at 10.45am (gates open at 8.45am) with tickets at just £10 for adults and £5 for under 16’s.

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