Sutton stretched their unbeaten run to six games in the Castle Lager Surrey Champ- ionship First Division, but were unable to claim maximum points in their match against neighbours Cheam on Saturday.

Sutton captain Keith Medlycott chose to bat first, and his sparkling innings of 117, together with fine contributions from John Fry (30) and Garry Outram (47), helped the visitors to make 252-5 declared.

But Cheam, who have yet to register a win this season, put in a battling performance and, although unable to reach their target, dug in well.

They finished on 218-8, securing one point for a losing draw.

Despite losing ground on leaders Guildford, Medlycott was philosophical about the result.

He said: "It was frustrating not to take maximum points.

"We played a lot of excellent cricket, but we dropped a few catches which has ultimately cost us points.

"If we can't win, then a winning draw is the next best thing, so I will take every positive I can from the result."

The Sutton skipper insisted he made the right decision in choosing to bat first.

He said: "It was a very dry, used wicket which dictated it was a bat-first pitch.

"Cheam have got a spinner, Aashish Kapoor, who has played test cricket for India so we didn't want to face him later on.

"We batted well. I had a good opening partnership with Frysie, and Outram got his 47 in no time at all which really kick-started us towards a good total.

"We should have bowled them out, but we didn't get wickets early on."

Medium-pacer Andrew Siefers took 3-10 for Sutton, while Medlycott produced an all-round performance with 3-50, but it was not to be.

Cheam have now had three draws in a row and are just one point behind Bank of England at the bottom of the table.

"Credit to Cheam they hung around at the end and did well," said Medlycott.

"They need to get a couple of players back, but when they do they will be a competitive side."

Sutton are at home to strugglers Streatham & Marlborough on Saturday, while Cheam have a tough-looking visit to leaders Guildford.