HASLEMERE are the only unbeaten side in the Surrey Championship Division Five and are clear early leaders after recording a third consecutive victory.

A 42-overs match started late after morning rain and it was Guildford City’s misfortune to lose the toss and be inserted by Leigh Thayre at the Recreation Ground.

The very accurate Chris May hit the stumps before a run was scored and Billy Boxall also picked up a quick wicket, leaving the visitors 10-1. Thereafter, only skipper Zafar Khan got going and his 26 was easily top score as the home bowlers tightened their grip in helpful conditions.

Simon Eastment and Alex Hooker plucked out the middle order and off-spinner Hooker, assisted by superb catching, went on to take 5-20 in nine overs as the City side stumbled to 83 all out in 35 overs.

It wasn’t exactly a stroll for Haslemere, either. Chris Spooner went quickly and Chris Hooker and Scott Boxall had to get their heads down. Both were out at 45, leaving Chris Sturt, Eastment and Sam Williams to complete the formalities, the game being won by an all-run four on this big ground.

Haslemere visit bottom side Battersea this Saturday, looking to continue their fine start to the season.