UKAF cricketers test themselves against the superstars of Surrey including future England international

A highlight of the UK Armed Forces cricket season is taking on professional players who feature in the County Championship.

Surrey are one of the powerhouses of the professional game and they brought a strong side to Aldershot for their showdown with the military men.

The two teams enjoy strong ties – current UKAF skipper Flight Lieutenant Adam Fisher is the brother of Surrey star Matthew. There would be no sibling rivalry on this occasion though, as Matthew was away on England duty in the Test series against New Zealand.

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Winning the toss, Fisher opted to bat first and teammates Tom Shorthouse (RAF) and Liam Fletcher (Army) made a solid start to the innings. Surrey seamer Alex French broke through the UKAF resistance as Shorthouse was dismissed for a quick-fire innings of 18 runs, that included a six and two fours and the score 37-1.

Taking his place, skipper Fisher didn't linger at the crease for long. The Cranwell-based man was undone when Surrey wicketkeeper Josh Blake took a superb catch from the bowling of Seb Stuart-Reckling. Fisher headed back to the pavilion for 7 and the UKAF score 51 for 2.

The introduction to the middle of Navy all-rounder Ben Johnston gave the home side some much-needed firepower with the bat. Big hitting Ben top-scored for his side with a valuable 70 from 79 deliveries. His dismissal by England under-19s star Ralphie Albert, with the score 166 for 7, dented UKAF hopes of setting a target of over 200.

In the end, the forces side were all out for 194. Albert was the pick of the Surrey bowlers with figures of 3 for 31 from 6 overs. With less than 200 to defend against a streetwise Surrey side, it was always going to be a challenge for UKAF.

The visitors opening pair of Ryan Patel and Adam Thomas set about the run chase. UKAF spinner Jake Benson (Army) produced a fine catch from his own bowling to remove Patel just five runs shy of his half century with Surrey 82-1.

At the other end, the wily Ross Deardon (Army) put visiting batter Nikhil Gorantla in a spin as he looped his shot into the clutches of UKAF fielder Stavone Gabriel (Army) for a duck and Surrey were 82-2.

From there on in though, Surrey dominated. Thomas powered his way to 88 not out with Blake also not out on 58 as Surrey wrapped up an eight-wicket win.

UKAF have the chance to test themselves against further County opposition later in the summer, when they travel north to a face a Durham XI.