IT was a superb weekend for Haslemere 1st XI. Not only did they move into second place in the Fuller’s Surrey League Premier Division after their latest win on Saturday, but they clinched a place in the prestigious League Cup final by beating Whiteley Village the following day.

Merrow, who have been docked 40 points for fielding an ineligible overseas player, were the visitors on Saturday as the league switched back to limited overs and Haslemere set their promotion rivals a tough challenge after racking up 212-3 in their 45 overs.

In-form openers Lee Clement and Chris Spooner demolished the Merrow attack with a brilliant partnership of 171.

Spooner eventually went for 86 off 118 balls, having hit nine fours and two sixes, while Clement missed his century by just nine runs, having faced 126 balls and struck eight fours.

Merrow were never in the hunt after their gruelling time in the field. Tight opening spells by Ollie Ellis and Billy Boxall put them well behind the run-rate and the stranglehold was maintained by the Hookers, Alex and Chris, the returning Jamie Bristow and a somewhat weary Spooner.

Merrow batted out their overs, but ended the day 86 runs behind on 126-8.

The cup semi-final was a closer content, Haslemere winning by 28 runs. Having set the visitors a target of 161, Haslemere bowled Whiteley Village out for 132 and will now meet Frimley in the final which will be played at Hampton Hill Cricket Club on Sunday, September 6.