Skipper takes the lead with the bat

HORLEY Cricket Club's first team bounced back from last weekend’s defeat to beat Old Rutlishians by 22 runs.

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Following this season’s new regional merger in the leagues, Horley travelled to Old Rutlishians II to face the first of four second XIs they'll play in Surrey Championship Division Four East.

After losing last weekend, Horley were eager to get their season up and running, with skipper Regan Derham making a good start by winning the toss and electing to bat on a slightly used pitch.

Usual suspects Ben and Sam Remfry were sent out to lead the Horley charge.

The pitch made scoring fluently a struggle early on, with Carlton Anand (3-31) and Asad Khan (2-41) bowling tight lines.

Anand made the first breakthrough at the start of the seventh over, having Ben Remfry caught at point.

Unfortunately, brother Sam only lasted another five overs, getting trapped lbw by Khan, leaving Horley 33-2 after 12 overs.

Horley’s overseas player, CP Singh, who had flown in the day before, made his welcome return at three and was joined by Derham, with both knowing they needed to endure the momentum Old Ruts had built up.

Neither looked at their fluent best, however runs were being added and by the time drinks came around at the halfway stage, Horley were 87-2.