Captain Jak Martin took plenty of positives after Banstead held on for a draw at Surrey Championship leaders Sutton on Saturday, writes Mark Spring.

At one stage, Banstead looked to be in a position to cause a shot after reducing Sutton to 122-6.

A seventh-wicket stand between Andy Sartor and Phil Sampson helped the home side to reach 249-7 declared.

Although Matt Spriegel hit a superb 83, Banstead wickets fell at regular intervals and it needed Adam Clarke with 24 not out to see Banstead through to the close. Last man Tristian Caviet survived eight balls as Banstead finished on 211-9.

“This result shows what we are capable of and on another day the luck will go our way,” said Martin.

“We are comfortable at this level and confident we can hold our own in the Premier League.”

Batting first after winning the toss, Sutton had John Fry clean bowled by Richard Bedbrook for five before Zoheb Sharif and David Sampson brought up the half century.

Sharif was then immediately dismissed by Bedbrook for 30 and Sampson followed shortly afterwards, caught by Matt Spriegel in the gully off Mark Houghton for 31.

Arun Arinath held the Sutton middle order together as Matt Spriegel struck to dismiss Sam Seadon without scoring and Will Muse caught and bowled for 11 before falling himself to Spriegel caught behind for 29 as Sutton struggled to 122-6.

Just as a total of 200 looked well beyond their reach table, Sutton demonstrated their strength in depth as Sartor and Sampson firstly held off the Banstead attack and then went on the offensive taking a particular liking to the spinners.

Although Spriegel returned to claim Sartor caught at deep mid on for 45, Sampson (82 not out) continued in commanding fashion carrying the Sutton innings to 249-7.

For Banstead Spriegel took the honours with 4-82, Bedbrook 2-38 and Houghton 1-56.

Banstead set off optimistically in pursuit of their target but lost Scott Newman for eight, fencing outside off stump to Phil Sampson, and Tom Lancefield for six, advancing down the wicket to the aggressive Sartor, before any momentum could be established.

Fellow opener Spriegel attempted to hold the innings together and received good support from Martin (16) and Sam Woodward, back in the team following school duties.

Woodward was playing his normal aggressive innings and with Spriegel took the total past the 100 mark.

But as hopes of a unlikely victory seemed in their grasp, Woodward fell to a stunning catch at slip by Sartor off Sampson for 27, and when Spriegel was out adjudged lbw to Zohed Sharif for 83 with the score on 156, Banstead faced an uphill task.

Wickets fell steadily as Mark Houghton (37) battled to keep the total in sight, receiving good support from Adam Clarke who saw Banstead through to the close with 24 not out, Tristan Caviet surviving eight balls as Sutton pressed for the win. Phil Sampson finished with 3-28 and Sharif 4-46.

Banstead visit Wimblledon next Saturday.