CHURT remain too close for comfort to the bottom of Surrey Championship Division Five after having the worst of a draw against fellow strugglers Battersea Ironsides.

Electing to bat first at the Rec, the Londoners scored consistently through the top order, with the first five all reaching 30.

Churt kept the run-rate under control, however, largely thanks to spinner Rowley Marshall who reeled off 16 overs for 45 runs and picked up three good wickets. Ron DeFreitas was also economical and Battersea were restricted to 213-9 in 55 overs.

The pitch was never easy for batting and the home side lost skipper Dan Higgins for a duck. Ian Leek and James Palmer got the score moving and Palmer went on to hold things together with 67 not out.

Sean Graham threatened to win the match for Ironsides with 5-43 from a marathon stint of 22 overs, but Graham Stopher and DeFreitas gave Palmer useful support and Churt fought their way to 153-8 from their 55 overs.

Churt host Alleyn on Saturday.