Selection:

Lenham Away 13:30 Start

1. HUNTER

2. BLYTHIN

3. SUNNUCKS P

4. SUNNUCKS T

5. WITHERS GREEN

6. TAPLIN

7. LANGRIDGE

8. HOPKINSON

9. SAMUEL

10. BRANDRETH

11. STILEMAN

Nice one chaps and good to see some “young legs” in the field. I hear the TWG “run out” was a blinder!!

Mesham 2nd XI V’s Marden 2nd XI – Mersham won by 54 Runs

Is Oli Austin playing this year? This is normally part of the pre-match banter and yes he was and yes once again he clouted us all round the ground. The tall left handed opener hit a chanceless 140 not out off 45 over’s to take the match away from Marden after the home side had been inserted in overcast conditions. At 35 for 2 and Nick Mortimer (2-27) bowling with real pace and Dai a good nagging length, the decision looks sound but the sun came out, the ball stopped swinging and Austin was on the way aided by number 4 bat John Foot who was eventually stumped for 66 off Gareth. Wardy then picked up another quick wicket and it seemed that we were right back in the match but Austin kept clonging away until the end aided by some abject fielding despite a good little spell from Harry who picked up one wicket and deserved more.

Chris and Dai set about the run chase in fine style putting on 50 for the first wicket until Chris (13) was caught off the left arm opening bowler. Dai continued to score quickly without ever looking in complete touch (surely the sign of a master batsman) and Rupert (44)soon found the pitch to his liking. At 100 for 2 off 20 over’s we were on par with the Mersham score and on target with the second string bowlers to come. We lost momentum when Dai was out (44) and also Nigel sweeping behind square. Tony (19) hit two massive 6’s but was bowled attempting a third and there was a useful stand between John Jones (16) and the skipper (23) but both were out when well set. Jones played over a straight one and Thomas walked after nicking one to the keeper.

Harry and Gareth didn’t last long and it was left to the Mortimer brothers Nick and Matt to take the innings into the final over and see us past 200. Both looked easy in the crease and Nick played probably the shot of the match – a crunching cover drive off the left armer which pleased his father no end! 215 all out and a credible effort.

In summary Austin was the clear difference between the sides but also our fielding let us down badly on a large unforgiving outfield. Tea was excellent and so were the showers. The pub crawl home softened some of the pain with some excellent Whitstable Bay in the Smarden Bell.

The selection for Horton Kirby Home 1:30pm start

1. THOMAS R

2. WATTS

3. BARDSLEY

4. HUMPHREY R

5. KARIM

6. MORTIMER A

7. WARD

8. MATTISON

9. ANDREWS

10. BURDGE

11. NAV

Sorry to have you bouncing around between the teams Nav and apologies to those who have missed out this week but don’t despair it’s a long summer!! Ring Simon if you fancy any mid-week cricket.