Malden Wanderers captain Mark Mason has accused Reigate Priory of "blatantly cheating" during the sides' Castle Lager Premier Division match last weekend.

Malden chasing Reigate's total of 250-8 claim their reply fell apart when overseas player Brendan O'Connell was given out after a Reigate player appealed for a catch after the ball had appeared to bounce.

"Brendan hit the ball and it rolled on the ground before one of their players, who had his back to the umpires, picked it up and claimed the catch," fumed Mason.

"No-one could believe he was given out and in our minds it was blatant cheating.

"The incident ruined our innings because the batsmen coming in were thinking about it when they should not have let it get to them."

Malden were bowled out for 141 and the skipper believes a number of his players were guilty of throwing away their wickets.

"We didn't bowl well, but apart from David Gorrod (68) and Giles Puckle, who batted for two hours to try and save the game there was also some ridiculously bad batting," said Mason.

"Hopefully it was a blip and we can get back on track this weekend."

Tomorrow, Wanderers travel to Esher and Mason should make his first appearance of the season after recovering from a broken thumb.

May 30, 2003 10:00