Stewart Walters played himself back into form with a brilliant century at the top of the innings for the second team against Somerset at Taunton Vale Cricket Club last week.

The first two days of this match were played out in warm sunshine. Somerset won the toss, chose to bat and made excellent use of a hard, fast batting track.

On the first morning, though, honours were even as Surrey seamers Neil Saker, Stuart Meaker, Jack Brooks and Tim Linley bowled tightly to contain the hone side to 83-3 at lunch. In the afternoon session, however Somerset gained the upper hand as Omari Banks and John Francis added 68 for the fourth wicket and Francis and Keith Parsons followed that up with 115 for the fifth.

Francis was out, for 125 from 228 balls with 17 fours, caught at Point by Stewart Walters from the bowling of Simon King shortly after tea, but the momentum of the innings was continued by Lloyd Alley.

At close of play the Somerset total stood at 377 for seven and the weary Surrey bowlers made a beeline for the hotel swimming pool to cool down and loosen up.

The Somerset innings continued on the second day. Alley, grandson of Bill Alley, went on to complete an undefeated century (118 from 173 balls) supported by Daniel Davis (50) and the innings was declared closed at 552 for eight. The pick of the Surrey bowlers was Tim Linley with three for 60.

The Surrey reply was dominated by Stewart Walters and Chris Murtagh who saw Surrey to 168 for two by the close of play. Overnight the weather changed and there was heavy rain for several hours. Play finally commenced at 3 o’clock. Chris Murtagh did not survive much longer but his innings of 67 from 168 balls had touches of class.

As the players took the field after tea there were terrified screams of “snake, snake” from the Somerset fielders but the brave Surrey batsman, Laurie Evans, removed the said snake (actually a foot long slow worm) to safety off the playing area.

Walters lasted until after tea when, after a controlled innings of 115 from 250 balls he tried to chase a short, wide ball and was caught behind. His innings included two sixes and fourteen fours. Laurie Evans played a useful innings of 65 not out from 123 balls and Paul Harrison 29 not out to leave Surrey on 343 for four overnight. Further rain on the fourth morning led to a delay and the match was finally abandoned as a draw at two o’clock.

Add to Del.icio.us Digg it share on Facebook (What is this?)

• Get the New Surrey CCC One Day Shirt 2008/09 Adults