It was Groundhog Day on Monday as London team Southgate Compton crushed Tipton by 138 runs, writes Phil Wright.

Sayers, the Southgate opening bat blasted 19 off Dave Alfords first over, but in the next over David Birch surprised him with a full toss and he was bowled!

A fine run out by Alford removed the other opener, but Fletcher and Aris both scored half centuries and Tipton were not helped by a succession of dropped catches.

It was the wiley veteran David O’Higgins in his 599th match for Tipton who removed both.

His introduction into the attack with Phil Wright slowed the scoring rate. O’Higgins then trapped C Frame leg before prior to Wright picking up three wickets, each one aided by a catch with Dawson, Collins and Alford displaying safe hands.

Southgate were restricted to 185-9 when well over 200 had looked likely at one stage.

Tipton, with a much stronger batting line up than the one that had folded the day before against Swindon United Churches. However, the reply was soon in disarray at 10-5. Only Phil Tolley reached double figures with 24 as the innings ended with just 47 runs on the board.

This was certainly a weekend all concerned with Tipton St John CC will chose to forget – and quickly!