Reigate Priory 289-5 Weybridge 214-4

Reigate Priory went some way to avenging last season's final-day defeat at the hands of Weybridge with a winning draw over last year's champions.

In doing so they achieved their highest Premier league runs total. This was largely down to a superb maiden league century from 19-year-old Chris Murtagh, and an excellent supporting knock from Alex Richards (85).

However, in a game neither side wanted to lose, Weybridge settled for a draw some way into their innings. And the stalemate means there is little between the sides at the top of the table.

In the absence of Gregor Macmillan, Simon Ecclestone led the Priory side. And on winning the toss he chose to bat first on a wicket that looked as if it may turn later.

He may have regretted the decision as Diggles departed to the first ball of the day from Ferris. And Ecclestone found himself taking strike at number three earlier than he would have wished. Matt Bennet was shortly to follow with the score on 27, which brought Chris Murtagh to the wicket.

From that point on the bat dominated the ball, as Ecclestone soon got into his stride in typically hard-hitting style.

Murtagh was soon finding impeccable timing, particularly with back foot shots through the offside to the boundary.

When looking set for a big score, Ecclestone fell to a loose shot when caught on the boundary, which brought Richards to the wicket to join Murtagh.

They took the score from 88 up to 233, by which time Murtagh had stroked his way to a deserved first century for Priory in the Premier league.

He fell almost immediately after reaching three figures, and Richards fell soon after.

But Sairaj Bahutule and David Loft maintained the momentum to take the score to an impressive 289-5 at the close of the innings.

Weybridge's reply started fluently with Scott, currently with Middlesex, looking in imperious form, and Franklin looking impressive.

Aaron Pope bowled well with little reward, and it took the introduction of Ecclestone to break the partnership. Ecclestone also confused Scott into hitting back a full toss straight back to him for a catch. Pope was even more impressive in his second spell.

Bahutule bowled with little luck and was finally rewarded with the wicket of Porter.

But Weybridge skipper Muggleton made it clear that the priority was to avoid defeat and ensure they maintained a slim advantage over Priory at the top end of the table.

Priory comfortably gained the winning draw, and are still very much in the title race. They have a home game against Malden on Saturday, hoping to maintain their unbeaten record.

Priory's second XI notched a convincing win against Weybridge scoring 150-2 to Weybridge's 147 all out. They move eight points clear a the top of the table.