Newdigate CC kept their promotion dream firmly alive with a sensational six-wicket victory over Wandgas CC, chasing down a revised target of 170 in just 23.2 overs.

With promotion to Division 5 at stake, this was a match Newdigate simply had to win — and when the pressure was at its greatest, two of their biggest stars stepped up in spectacular fashion.

Batting first, Wandgas CC posted a competitive 194 for eight from their 40 overs. Allan Cooper and Daniel Harrington set the early standards with the ball restricting the home side to 80 oof the first 20 overs. Darshan Selvakumaran then led the way with a well-made 41 from 46 balls, while Paul Howgate contributed 33 and Ishaan Shetty added 32. Chinnasamy Balakrishnan provided some late acceleration with an entertaining 35 from just 31 deliveries, including two sixes.

Newdigate's bowlers worked hard to keep Wandgas within reach, with Thomas Clark, George Daniels and Andrew Kehl all claiming two wickets apiece. Clark was particularly impressive, conceding just 29 runs from his 8 overs.

with regular weather interventions the match reduced to 40 over a side and then a further reduction meant a revised target of 170 from 31 overs for the visitors.

The run chase brought a few early nerves into the Newdigate chase. Ruky Wickremasinghe was dismissed for a duck before David Farrington fell for nine, leaving Newdigate in trouble at 38 for two.

But what followed was the defining passage of the match. Kian Bradley and captain Ryan Anderson produced a remarkable counter-attacking partnership, taking the game away from Wandgas and putting Newdigate firmly in control.

Bradley was magnificent, remaining unbeaten on 70 from just 55 balls, with 11 boundaries. His innings was full of stroke play that was a treat to the eye.

At the other end, the Newdigate skipper was in devastating form. Ryan Anderson smashed 71 from only 38 deliveries, finding the boundary six times for four and six times for six. His extraordinary strike rate of 186.84 underlined just how destructive his innings was. Anderson is also currently sitting at the top of the league's run-scoring charts — and this was another timely reminder of the quality he has produced throughout the season. Excellent work from the skipper!

Together, Bradley and Anderson put on a magnificent 121-run partnership for the third wicket, completely transforming the chase. What had looked like a tricky run chase after the early wickets suddenly became a Newdigate procession. Anderson eventually fell for 71 with the score on 159, caught by Ezra Hinds off Gary Cunningham. Daniel Harrington was dismissed for a golden duck from the very next ball, but by then the damage had been done. Bradley remained calm and composed to finish the job, ending unbeaten on 70 alongside Stephen Kehl, who finished on five not out.

Newdigate reached 170 for four in just 23.2 overs, comfortably inside their revised 31-over allocation.

Gary Cunningham was Wandgas' leading wicket-taker with 2-33, while Rahul Sharma and Kenny Jansz claimed one wicket each. Dylan Ransi also deserves credit for an excellent spell, conceding just nine runs from his four overs.

The victory could hardly have come at a more important time. With Newdigate needing the win to keep their promotion hopes alive, the result was made even more valuable by what happened elsewhere in the division.

All the other matches were washed out, including the particularly important Wallington fixture. That meant Newdigate were able to take the full 20 points from their victory, while their promotion rivals were unable to add to their totals. As a result, Newdigate have closed the gap on Wallington at exactly the right moment, setting up a thrilling final week of the season.

And now it all comes down to the final week. Newdigate face Old Whitgiftians in a match that has become a genuine must-win if they are to secure promotion to Division 5. Even victory will not guarantee promotion, with Newdigate also needing other results to fall in their favour. But after this latest performance, the club can head into the final fixture knowing that promotion is still very much within their reach.

After a season of hard work, consistency, and plenty of drama, Newdigate have given themselves one final chance to make the step up.