The umbrellas were up on Saturday, wrecking round 16 of the AJ Sports Surrey Championship. Although the players were confined to the pavilion, some issues were decided. Richard Spiller reports
Just as the AJ Sports Surrey Championship campaign is coming to a peak, along came the weather to wreck a crucial round of matches.
Not one first team match in all six divisions was possible, although the rain has resolved some issues while pushing others into the final two weeks of the campaign.
It ensured that the fight for the Premier Division crown is down to two teams, Reigate Priory holding an 11-point lead over East Molesey now that Wimbledon’s chances of repeating their 2022 triumph have been washed away.
At the other end of the table, Weybridge were already down but Guildford’s situation has become even more critical. They must beat Sutton – the only side they can catch, 20 points in front – at Woodbridge Road on Saturday and then Wimbledon in the final match to have a chance of staying up.
Whoever goes down can wave to Spencer passing in the other direction, returning to the elite for the first time in 10 years, while south London rivals Dulwich need just two points from their final two matches to be certain of ending a long absence from the top flight. Just three points divide them in the fight for top spot.
Sinjun Grammarians know they will move up from Division Three while Old Whitgiftians are confirmed as moving in the other direction
The team picking up 20 points turned out to be Horley in Division Five, bottom-placed Churt & Hindhead having conceded to the leaders, whose promotion is confirmed while their scheduled visitors have been relegated.
LEAGUE PLACINGS AT WEEK 16
Premier – top two: 1 Reigate Priory (235); 2 East Molesey (224). Bottom two – 9 Guildford (130); 10 Weybridge (R) (89).
Division 1 – top two: 1 Spencer (P) (242); 2 Dulwich (239). Bottom two: 9 Walton (139); 10 Old Wimbledonians (R) (53).
Division 2 – top two: 1 Camberley (251); 2 Old Rutlishians (229). Bottom two: 8 Addiscombe (51); 9 Farnham (48).
Division 3 – top two: 1 SinjunGrammarians (P) (230); 2 Maori Oxshott (218). Bottom two: 9 Streatham & Marlborough (142); 10 Old Whitgiftians (R) (88).
Division 4 – top two: 1 Chertsey (221); 2 TrinityMidWhitgiftians (204). Bottom two: 9 Woking and Horsell (121); 2 Hampton Hill (114).
Division 5 – top two: 1 Horley (P) (279); 2 Alleyn (229). Bottom two: 9 Paulines (143);10: Churt and Hindhead (107).
