Spriegel, Nel and Walters in Good Touch Overseas

16 November 2009

Although the weekend just past saw some of the most miserable weather that the south of England has experienced all year, it proved no barrier to some fine Surrey performances in warmer parts of the world!

Playing for Perth CC in the Western Australian Grade League, both Matthew Spriegel and Stewart Walters got amongst the runs as their side defeated Rockingham-Mandurah.

Spriegel was particularly impressive, scoring a brilliant 191 off 215 balls in what was just his second match as the Club’s overseas player. He was partnered by Walters – who both captains and coaches Perth – and the pair put on 248 for the third wicket as the skipper scored an excellent 88 in support.

Speaking after the match, Walters told the official Surrey website: “Spriegs was unbelievable at the weekend, 191 is a fantastic score in any cricket but to do it in your second match as overseas player shows his class and hunger for success.

“We have worked extremely hard in the last few weeks and to see results so quickly is a huge bonus. He dominated all bowlers and was in control the whole day and the team had a great win as a result.”

Also in Southern Hemisphere but over a thousand miles west, fast bowler Andre Nel was in action for his South African franchise the Highveld Lions, steaming in passionately to take 5/64 in the first innings of their SuperSport Series match with the Cape Cobras.

After setting the Lions 279 to win, Nel was back in action as Highveld tried to force the win, taking 2/8 off his twelve overs and setting the stage from an almighty effort by new Sussex signing Monty Panesar, who ended up with 4/42 off his 20.4 overs as the Lions fell just short, having reduced the Cobras to 135/7 before Rory Kleinveldt and Ryan Canning dug in to block out the final hour.

Come back to the official Surrey website over the next few weeks to keep track of the guys are getting on, both around the world and at Winter Training back at the Brit Oval.

Photo - Matt Spriegel in action for Perth. Used with kind permission of Nick Manifis.