LATE-ORDER batsmen on both sides distinguished themselves as Haslemere and Chertsey drew their top-f-the-table clash in the Surrey Championship Division Five.

Haslemere, the unbeaten leaders, were in all sorts of trouble at 49-4 and then 78-6, with the in-form Chris Hooker out for 46. Jake Loveridge did most of the damage, taking 4-21 in 14 excellent overs.

Pete Dudley and Chris May saw the 100 up and then Oli Ellis joined keeper Dudley in a crucial half-century stand.

Dudley, having hit ten boundaries, was finally run out for 56 and Billy Boxall then supported Ellis who was 43 not out when Haslemere declared at 200-9 in the 55th over.

Chertsey, in turn, slumped to the seam attack of May, Billy Boxall and Ellis and looked to be facing certain defeat at 67-7, May having taken 4-44 in 12 overs.

But that was as far as Haslemere got as Ben Hanger and Cade Skelton came together in a match-saving partnership of 95. Despite ringing the bowling changes, Haslemere just couldn’t make another breakthrough. Hanger made a fine 68 not out and Skelton was unbeaten on 27.

This Saturday, Haslemere visit bottom side Farncombe.