Epsom's Scott Newman insists breaking his 15-month first-class century drought could open the floodgates and help save Surrey from a relegation scrap this summer.

The 28-year-old hasn't hit a four-day ton since the opening game of last season against Yorkshire and was out of luck in this week's draw with Liverpool Victoria County Championship Division One leaders Nottinghamshire.

Opening batsman Newman has 503 championship runs at the half-way stage this season as the Brown Caps have slipped towards the foot of the table having failed to muster a win in the league so far.

Surrey have endured a miserable six weeks having lost the services of skipper Mark Butcher to knee surgery and been dumped out of the Twenty20 trophy.

But the former Banstead Cricket Club star reckons it is time for each individual - including himself - to stand up and be counted to turn the season around.

"It has been tough but it is now about being a bit more tough with yourself and getting through thids period as individuals for the benefit of the team," he said.

"It is hard to create a good atmosphere when you are not winning so it is a case of saying what can I do for the benefit of the team' and doing it.

"If I can get one hundred I think I will get a load. I still haven't played badly all year.

"We all need to pick up our own game and I need to go and score big runs for the good of the team."

Banstead clubmate Matt Spriegel scored his maiden first-class half century at the weekend - as did former Dulwich School student Chris Jordan.

The young pair helped their side to a first innings total of 403 - the highest score at Trent Bridge this summer - but Surrey were unable to force the win having made Notts follow on.

But coach Alan Butcher paid tribute to the batsman as his side bids to beat the drop.

"We are still batting well and the most pleasing thing was to get two maiden fifties from Matt and Chris," he said.

"Even with the wicket flattening out we still made chances, but it wasn't to be."