Glamorgan unimpressed by Surrey stalemate

Surrey compiled a mammoth 701-9 on the final day of the CricInfo Championship match with relegated Glamorgan.

Overnight rain delayed the start of the final day of Championship cricket in the 2001 season, but Surrey, with an overnight lead of 314, surprised on-lookers by deciding to bat on.

Ali Brown completed his third century of an up-and-down season, and Mark Butcher became the final wicket of Steve Watkin's superb career after a magnificent 230, but not everyone was impressed.

"It is not in the spirit of the game," Glamorgan club chairman Gerard Elias concluded.

"It is extremely disappointing to say the very least for spectators on the ground - not to mention sponsors - who paid a considerable amount of money to be here.

"We could have had an extremely interesting afternoon's cricket. It is difficult to fathom why Surrey chose to bat on. Had Glamorgan done the same in similar circumstances at The Oval, not only would I have been very disappointed I think there would have been a reaction from Surrey.

"All I can do is apologise to the spectators and the members here today. It is a great shame and not in my view in the spirit of the game."

But Surrey coach Keith Medlycott defended their tactics: "We had another game on Sunday and we didn't want to be bowling another 67 overs. We already had four points, it was the last game of the season and we decided to bat on."

A late declaration left Glamorgan with just 23 overs to bat before stumps were drawn after 14 overs had been bowled, and Jonathan Hughes had hit a fluent 49 before Ben Hollioake trapped him lbw.