Walton-on-Thames skipper Matt Haddow says a team effort has got his men half way to the Surrey Championship Division Two title, but there remains work to be done.

Walton, set 231 to win, secured a thrilling three wicket win over Cheam with seven balls remaining to retain top spot in the table on Saturday after nine games.

While Haddow admit the influence of veteran Bainbridge brother Mark and Paul remains strong, it is the club’s investment in youth that is paying off this term.

“When I took over the captaincy three years I had a chat with Mark [Bainbridge] and we decided to start giving the youngsters a go,” he said.

“Now we are seeing the benefit of that. We have some 22-year-olds in the team who have been playing first team cricket for three years now and know how to win games.

“If you look at other teams they have their one or two stand out performers, but we seem to have different players able to step up every week when we need them.

“It is nice to be top of the tale at the half way stage having won eight of our nine games, but there is a long way to go.”

Walton’s commitment to youth sees them host their first U19 Twenty20 clash at Ashley Park when Walton Warriors take on Stoke Slayers next Thursday, with the action starting at 5.30pm.