Newdigate slipped to another disappointing defeat on Saturday as Worcester Park CC chased down 164 with five overs to spare in punishing 32°C heat.

Asked to bat first, Newdigate’s innings once again suffered from a damaging top-order collapse. Reduced to 39/6 early on, the visitors were staring at a very low total before two determined performances helped rescue the innings.

Ryan Anderson showed grit whilst battling through injury to score 43 despite being unable to run freely between the wickets. Alongside him, Steve Kehl produced the standout innings of the day for Newdigate, compiling a superb 61 with composure and control to drag his side towards respectability.

Their resistance enabled Newdigate to post 164 all out in 43 overs — a total that at one stage had looked highly unlikely.

Defending the score with only 10 men proved an enormous challenge in the oppressive conditions, and Worcester Park’s opening pair quickly seized control of the chase. Rob Waite played fluently for 64 while Troy McKenzie added 24 as the hosts raced to 92 before drinks, putting Newdigate firmly on the back foot.

The game threatened to drift away completely until Ruky Wickremasinghe produced an outstanding spell to breathe life back into the contest. Introduced in the 20th over, Wickremasinghe bowled nine overs unchanged, finishing with excellent figures of 4-26 and dragging Newdigate back into contention through accuracy, control and persistence.

Despite the fightback, missed chances and gaps in the field ultimately proved costly as Worcester Park regained control. Rob Hill then anchored the innings calmly, guiding the hosts home with a composed unbeaten 39 as Worcester Park reached 168/5 in 39.5 overs.

For Newdigate, it was another afternoon that showed flashes of resilience and individual quality, but also highlighted the difficulties currently affecting the side. With the season threatening to drift away, Newdigate will need to search deep for both fortune and form if they are to get their campaign back up and running in the weeks ahead.