Malden Wanderers’ skipper James Wackett admitted his side’s poor batting on Saturday had been the story of their season, writes Steve Morgan.

Having restricted the hosts to 227 for nine, with in-form bowlers Will Riley (4-48) and Kevin Boudville (2-31) the pick of the attack, Wanderers fell short by seven runs in response with Pete Young top scoring on just 30.

Malden’s reply began brightly with Alex Butler and Will Clapp adding 28 for the first wicket, but Clapp’s dismissal was indicative of the shape of things to come.

His 13 was the lowest tally among the visitors’ top six as Young’s top score symbolised a failure to kick on with the bat.

The departure of Cil van der Merwe at 145 for six made way for a 45-run stand between Dan Murphy (24) and Wackett (26) that put Wanderers in with a shout.

But their exits in quick succession left the tail needing 30 from the final five overs, which ultimately proved beyond them.

“Poor batting has been a consistent theme throughout the second half of the season and has been the primary reason for our poor form,” said the captain.

Wanderers entertain promotion-chasing Cranleigh on Saturday.

Chessington could take a giant leap towards Surrey Championship Division Two promotion this weekend.

Skipper Daniel Yarnley’s men beat Ashford by 50 runs on Saturday to move 10 points adrift of second-placed Epsom, who they entertain this week.

Jonathan Wileman will be Epsom’s danger man as he has scored 305 runs in six innings this term – including 52  in a win at Purley on Saturday – at an average of 76.

His will be an interesting battle with Chessington’s 50-wicket pair Richard Singleton and Yarnley.