1ST X1 DIVISION

SISSINGHURST v PLAXTOL

Sissinghurst chose to bat and in the face of some consistently straight bowling, only Tom Allen, with a well-crafted 90, was able to impose himself on the attack. He received late assistance from Trevor Wright, 20, together rescuing the innings from 120 for six, eventually totalling 199 all out. Chris Perry captured 4 for 26 in 8.2 overs, Alan Mount ripped out the middle order with 4 for 47 in nine overs and Steve Watson conceded only 24 runs in his nine overs. In reply, Plaxtol lost wickets at regular intervals, with Watson holding firm. His dismissal, run out for 53 in the chase for runs, granted the opportunity for Sissinghurst to close the game, which they did through Thompson, 3 for 32 in nine overs and David Bugge, 2 for 17 in four overs, as Plaxtol ended 23 runs short on 176 for nine, to peg back their title aspirations. 

EYNSFORD v PEMBURY

Pembury elected to bat and were given a solid start by Leadbetter, 32, and Pugh, who went onto make 73. However, the innings was pegged back by Ian Playfoot, 4 for 39 in nine overs, and Paul Smyth who did not allow Pembury to capitalise on being 133-1 after 28 overs, their eventual total reaching 190 for seven. After losing Paul Geear to Hemstalk’s first ball, Jamie Wise proceded to demolish the Pembury attack by scoring 65 in 45 balls and, with support from Peter Day, 30, took the score to 102 in the 18^th over before both were out in quick succession. Steady batting by the middle order took the total to 144-5 in 28 overs, whereupon Matt Stanley smashed a quickfire 36 not out to take Eynsford to victory in the 35th over on 191 for five, Dawes taking 2 for 35 in seven overs to no avail.

FOUR ELMS v HADLOW

In a match that doubled up as the League Cup Final, the Hadlow captain, fielding a depleted side, won the toss and made a brave decision to field on a scorching afternoon. This proved to be a shrewd move as some excellent bowling to defensive field settings strangled the life out of the Four Elms batting, which could only mange 151 for seven. Alan Crowhurst battled throughout for 50 and Damian Conlin hit 21 late runs. Mike Mernagh bowled his nine overs for 19 runs and one wicket, his brother, Richard, 2 for 25 in nine. Despite losing Stick cheaply, Hadlow set about their task with relish through Will Machtus, with an impressive 54 and Mike Mernagh, who batted superbly for an unbeaten 64 that took the reply to 152 for two in 28.1 overs, which represented a trouncing against a disappointing Four Elms side, who will be left to rue what might have been.

OUTWOOD v PENSHURST PARK

Outwood chose to bat and posted a highly respectable 244 for eight. Justin Barnes made 41, followed by three middle order successes in Ashley Mackenzie, 52, Blaise Hammond, 43 and Martyn Cass, 57. The lower order was unable to capitalise on this postion, falling to Marchant, 3 for 10 in three overs and Hargrave, 2 for 31. Worse was to follow for Outwood, as Rob Hunter with 108 and Simon Leegood put on 134 for the first wicket, Hunter, in particular being responsible for demolishing the normally parsimonious attack. Elliott, 34, joined Leegood, who steered his side to victory with an unbeaten 88 as they comfortably reached 248 for the loss of two wickets in 35.4 overs. 

LIMPSFIELD CHART v CROCKHAM HILL

Limpsfield Chart chose to bat and were given a solid foundation by Geoff Stevens, 37, and Malcolm Stroudley, 25. Their work was carried on by Matt Betts, 72, and Adam Green, 71 not out in partnership of 132 for the third wicket that was sufficient to carry the total to 220 for three. Ollie Blake, 3 for 20 from 7.1 overs, then dismissed Cole and Taylor cheaply and it was left to sixth wicket partnership between Reynolds, 42 and Gill, 43, to keep the game alive. However, Blake and Betts bowled tightly to restrict Crockham Hill to 182 all out in 37.1 overs so that a rare victory over local neighbours was achieved.

GROOMBRIDGE v LEIGH

Groombridge chose to bat and their total of 235 for four was were largely the result of a second wicket partnership between J Agate, 73, and D Parrish, 76, that yielded 143 runs. Openers Mark Wood, 20 and Darren Flint, 41 set Leigh on their way to victory which was achieved through a third wicket partnership between Marc Wood, 69 not out and Clive Gordine, 72 that took them to 236 for four in 36.5 overs, Dave Parrish claiming 3 for 42. 

ST LAWRENCE v BIDBOROUGH

St. Lawrence elected to bat and started badly, losing both openers with only nine runs on the board within the first four overs. However, spirited resistance from R Smith, 58, and Heasman, 32, saw them recover to 74 before Heasman was brilliantly caught by Pritchard at long off. David Ayling then contributed 45 runs and 100 came off the last 15 overs to prodeuce a final score of 177 for seven, Mark Mitchell taking 3 for 34 in nine overs. 2. In reply, Bidborough scored 15 off a wayward first over from Ayling and St Lawrence’s bowling options were reduced when Porter pulled a muscle after two overs. However, both openers were dismissed quite cheaply, before Mitchell, 33 and Sam Howes, with an unbeaten 84, punished anything loose to put Bidborough in front of the rate, passing the St. Lawrence total in the 33^rd over at 181 for three.

CRANBROOK v FLIMWELL

Batting first by choice, Cranbrook struggled against tight bowling from Flimwell. Simon Casebourne made 34 but only Simon Montgomery with 60 not out mastered the attack, in which Andy Taylor took 2 for 27, Sam Parker, 2 for 31, John Bates, 2 for 38, and Tony Downes, 2 for 49, all from nine overs, as Cranbrook totalled 176 for nine wickets. Flimwell's early reply revolved around Andy Taylor who blazed his way to 48 but, after his departure, a tight match ensued that was won by Flimwell on 178 for nine with nine balls to spare, Mike Reeves having hit 31 earlier. M Chapman took 3 for 34, D Fox and Lee Millard each taking two wickets in a failed cause for Cranbrook.

2ND X1 DIVISION

Hadlow v Four Elms

Four Elms were dismissed in 27 overs for 50 on an extremely low bouncing wicket at Hadlow, Ian Jones batting throughout for an unbeaten 24. Steve Foad took 4 for 13 in nine overs, M Head, 3 for 6 in seven and A Wren, 2 for 23 in five. Hadlow reached their target in 22 overs at 51 for one, Dolding scoring 18 and Gethins, 23 not out. 

Pembury v Eynsford

Eynsford elected to bat and, despite an early dropped chance were soon in trouble, thanks to tight bowling backed up by a superb fielding display. Two sharp slip catches by Colin Buckle, followed by two equally sharp stumpings by Denis Cole, reduced Eynsford to 41 for 5, D Boakes claiming 3 for 32. A brief glimmer of resistance by W Syres, 25, was eclipsed as Keith Hemstalk, 3 for four wickets off four overs and Dinesh Patel, 3 for four off 5.4 overs, mopped up the rest of the innings on 75 all out, Andy Weaver plucking two more slip catches. Pembury never looked likely to fail as Peter Massie collected another half century, making an unbeaten 53 out of 76 for three, Buchan taking 2 for 30. 

Flimwell v Cranbrook

Flimwell lost to Cranbrook by five wickets. Having won the toss and chosen to bat, Flimwell struggled throughout, particularly against Apps, who took 2 for 19 and Stickles, 3 for 14, both in nine overs. Pickles made 36 and his opening partner, Cox, 35 but, after them, only Wilson, with 23 not out, made any significant contribution to a final score of 140 for nine wickets. Cranbrook made a quick response, G Woollett scoring 28, before Jones, 3 for 41 and Wilson, 2 for 30, kept the game alive. In the end, S Noon, with 50 not out and Stickles steered Cranbrook to a comfortable victory on 143 for five in 30.3 overs. 

Leigh v Groombridge

Vic Clark, 51, and Clive Harding, 49 posted a century opening partnership for Leigh, but could not accelerate, against some good out-cricket and bowling, particularly from Martin Erxleben, and Hodges, both taking 1 for 24 in seven overs. A final score of 167 for four was reached, to which Nobel, 36, and Cliff Vivier, 50, responded with alacrity in their opening partnership. A spell of 4 for 30 in nineovers by Martin Parfett caused a mid-order collapse, but Groombridge recovered to reach 170 for eight with two overs remaining. 

Crockham Hill v Limpsfield Chart

Crockham Hill were asked to bat and made 163 for seven, through C Smith, 40, A Patterson, 31 and Chris Harding, 31 not out, Higgins claiming 3 for 22 in nine overs, Berry and Dale, two apiece. Despite losing three cheap wickets to Douse, Berry, with an unbeaten 71, and J House, 45, retired hurt, took Limpsfield Chart to victory by six wickets with one over to spare on 165 for four.

St Lawrence were unable to raise a side against Bidborough who are awarded the match.

Footnote: re Flimwell v Eynsford 2^nd X1 match

This was due to be played on June 3^rd but was postponed because the river that runs alongside the ground at Eynsford had burst its banks and the playing area was underwater. I was notified of this by Eynsford on Bank Holiday, Monday, May 29. It was agreed between both clubs and the League’s management that the 1^st X1 match should be played at Flimwell and that the 2^nd X1 match should be reconvened at a later date of mutual acceptance to both clubs. I know that efforts have been made to find a suitable date, but have so far failed. Fresh efforts are to take place this week to find a solution. Clearly, the outcome of the match will, have a bearing on the top of the 2^nd X1 table. At the time that the match was postponed, it was agreed that sides as close as possible to the original side would be fielded by both clubs. As the weeks roll by, it becomes more difficult to achieve this, but I have no doubt that both clubs will honour the principle of this agreement. The Management Committee is to meet this week and will take a view as to the number of points to be awarded should then match not take place,

1ST X1 DIVISION

PLAXTOL v ST LAWRENCE

St Lawrence, with ten men, asked Plaxtol to bat and were immediately put to the sword by Mike Deane, 63, and Peter Eames, who put on 100 in the first 14 overs. After Deane's dismissal, Eames took over the scoring mantle, moving onto a chanceless, unbeaten, 156, out of 305 for four wickets, Steve Watson adding a quick 41. St Lawrence’s reply started badly and, despite some big strikes from Porter, 22 and Ayling, 27, the innings only reached 98 all out in 24.2 overs. Dave Smale claimed 3 for 18 in 6.2 overs and Matt Duggan, 3 for 14 in six overs.

PEMBURY v LIMPSFIELD CHART

Pembury elected to bat and were constrained by Andy Dale, who dismissed both openers for 23 in his nine overs. The innings continued to struggle and, at 115 for 3 after 30 overs, an upset was in prospect. However, acceleration from Bob Eaton, 46, and Ollie Jones, 36 not out, plus some late hitting, meant that Pembury reached 194 for six wickets. Limpsfield Chart started positively scoring 30 from the first six overs, but three quick wickets turned the game, Bidder taking 2 for 29 and Hemstalk, 2 for 27, both in nine overs. Then, Dave Knight, who conceded just eight runs from nine overs, and Richard Dawes, 3 for 33 from six overs, put the game out of reach. Late resistance from Winter, 37, and Ian Armagon, 21 not out, took the response to 135 for seven wickets.

CRANBROOK v OUTWOOD

Cranbrook elected to bat first and lost their openers cheaply to John Kershaw, 2 for 33 off nine overs. Andy Healy, 31 and Simon Casebourne, 41, staged a recovery but, after their dismissals by Neil Garrett, who finished with 4 for 18 from nine overs, the innings subsided to 113 for nine, Martin Cass taking 2 for 29. In Outwood's reply, Neil Stevens, 49, and Justin Barnes, 54 not out batted superbly, putting on 89 for the first wicket, as the target was reached on 116 for one in 26.5 overs.

FOUR ELMS v LEIGH

Four Elms elected to bat and made slow progress against Grayland and Gordine, who conceded a meagre 16 runs in eight overs, reaching only 28 in the first 13 overs, when the first wicket fell. This brought in Kevin Allman, who, after a measured start, progressively butchered the Leigh attack to power his way to an unbeaten 152. He was assisted by Andy Hills, who made 38 in a second wicket partnership of 127, before totally dominating the later overs, taking the final score to 244 for three. Mark Wood announced Leigh's intentions with a first ball boundary, but a superb spell of bowling by Damian Conlin, who conceded only 11 runs in nine overs for the wicket of Flint, held Leigh back. Nevertheless, at the halfway stage, they had the same score as the home side, but Wood, 31, departed to a loose shot and, despite a well struck 57 from Linstead, the asking rate mounted. Shepherd capitalised on this to capture 5 for 45, whilst Seegar claimed 3 for 35, both in nine overs that contained some fortune. An unbroken last wicket rally by Shaw, 17 and Grayland, 25, took Leigh to 184 for nine.

GROOMBRIDGE v EYNSFORD

Eynsford were asked to bat and found themselves wrecked by Jamie Woolgar, who claimed 4 for eight in his first five overs, eventually finishing with 5 for 16 in 7.3 overs. At 44 for six, only Paul Geear, with 33, stood firm, before Ben Wise, 24, and J Flannery, 30, shared an eighth wicket partnership that was responsible for taking the total to 126 all out. Groombridge’s reply was steady and their openers, Phil Newington, 47 not out and James Hinks, 40, took them within sight of victory before Dave Parrish's quick 20 finished matters off at 128 for one in the 30^th over.

PENSHURST PARK v SISSINGHURST

Sissinghurst chose to bat first on a flat pitch and took full advantage, as Mike Burgess, 88, Tom Allen, 83 and James Hammond, with an inelegant 71 not out in 87 balls, piled on the runs to produce a massive total of 292 for the loss of only three wickets. Penshurst Park were pegged back by good spells from Thompson, Allen and Dance, 1 for 20 from nine, Simon Leegood making 53 before retiring hurt, John Boyden, 48 and Dave Smith, a maiden league 50, as the innings reached 196 for five.

HADLOW v CROCKHAM HILL

Crockham Hill asked Hadlow to bat and Will Machtus, promoted to opening duty, took advantage to make 69. He received good support from Martin Hart, 32 and Richard Mernagh, 44, the innings closing on 204 for eight as late wickets fell, Brian Blundell claiming 3 for 31 in his nine overs. In reply, Crockham Hill were always behind the asking rate, reaching only 32 for the loss of three wickets after 15 overs. Only Westcott, with 28 and Reynolds, 26 not out, were able to accelerate the score later on, but it was insufficient, the innings closing on 147 all out in 38.5 overs. Graham Wickman, 3 for 33 and Mike Mernagh, 2 for 29 ensured victory for Hadlow.

FLIMWELL v BIDBOROUGH

Flimwell chose to bat and made a steady start reaching 50 in the first 20 overs, before acceleration took place, mainly through Parker, so that a final score of 204 for six was achieved, Andy Redden taking three for 60. Bidborough lost two wickets in the first four overs and recovered through Sam Howes, who made 69. This was not enough to prevent his side being dismissed for 144.

2ND X1 DIVISION

Limpsfield Chart v Pembury

Limpsfield Chart elected to bat, but found headway extremely difficult against consistently tight bowling from Patel, Stacey, Browning and, particularly, Hughes, who took two wickets for six runs in nine overs. Berry made 19, whilst House, 27 and Denton, 16, remained unbeaten at the end of the innings which could no more than produce 98 runs for the loss of six wickets. Pembury’s openers experienced no difficulty, Moxon making 58 and Massie, 23, as they reached 99 without loss in 21.5 overs.

Outwood v Cranbrook

Cranbrook chose to bat first but, despite a defiant 57 from Metcalf and 32 from G Woollett, they never really got to grips with the Outwood bowling, in which Waller took 3 for 16 in nine overs, the innings closing on 169 for eight. After the early loss of Waller, Outwood were never really troubled, McLeod, 40, and N Martin, 50, sharing a second wicket partnership, before the middle order took the score to 171 for four wickets in the 37^th over, Apps taking two wickets.

Bidborough v Flimwell

Having been asked to bat, Bidborough struggled to make headway against tight bowling by Wilson, 2 for 22 and Gibb, 1 for 16, both from nine overs, Doug Moore battling through for 34. However, an unbeaten fifth wicket partnership between Thorne, 70 and Levy, 53, propelled the score to 204 for four wickets. Pickles, 55 and Cox started well but, after their dismissals, wickets fell regularly, Bussell taking 3 for 30 and Browning, 3 for 36, both from nine overs. Finally, it was left to Levy to wrap up the innings by taking 3 for 12 in four overs, as Flimwell closed on 158 all out in 39 overs.

Eynsford and Groombridge.

Eynsford chose to bat and were rewarded with a substantial opening partnership between Andy Hummersone, 78, and Steve Crawley, 61. The rest of the order faltered and the final score reached 202 for five wickets, three of them falling to Dacombe for 29 runs in five overs. The Groombridge reply was positive, Allcroft making 56, but the middle and lower order could not maintain the momentum, as Philips claimed three for 26 and Whitaker, 3 for 23, to achieve dismissal for 167 in 39.2 overs, Warren brandishing his bat for a late 26.

Leigh v Four Elms

Four Elms elected to bat and made a very slow start against Ramsammy and Parfett, 2 for 13 in nine overs, reaching only 12 in the first 13 overs. It was left to Clive Croft to raise the tempo with a hard hit 75 that saw a final score of 178 for six being realised. Leigh’s response was then reduced to 44 for five by Jenner, 2 for 29 and Harris, 3 for 16, both from nine overs. However, Martin Parfett, fresh from falling into the Manchester Ship Canal, initially steadied the boat and then set about steering his side to victory with an unbeaten 86. Twenty runs were required from the last two overs and one from the final ball, which was hit for six to reach 184 for eight and leave Four Elms high and dry.

Crockham Hill and Hadlow

In a low scoring match, Hadlow chose to bat first. Brian Dolding made 41 and Gethins, 17, but the rest of upper and middle order fell to a combination of Davis, 4 for 32 and Underwood, 2 for 16, before Andy Portlock made 34 not out to take the final score to 134 for nine. Crockham Hill lost three quick wickets, Foad, 2 for 34, before Horton, 25, Kane, 37 and Patterson, 22 brought high hopes. However, Head surfaced to destroy them all, claiming 5 for 12 in his nine overs, supported by 2 for nought by Gethins that polished off the innings on 112 all out in 39 overs.

1ST X1 DIVISION

LEIGH v PEMBURY

In recent weeks, Leigh have become a destroyer of reputations and they continued in this vein at the expense of league leaders, Pembury, beating them comprehensively by 94 runs. Leigh elected to bat first, proceeding steadily against Hemstalk, 2 for 32 from nine, Bidder, 24 from nine and Knight. However, absentees from the Pembury attack then became apparent and Mark Wood took advantage to score 89, aided by Ian Linstead, 43, enabling the innings to reach 207 for six. In reply, Pembury lost three wickets cheaply, all caught behind by Shaw, two to Luke Grayland, who finished with 3 for 22 in 6.3 overs. Although Bob Eaton continued his good form with 40, only he and Jamie Lovell, 22, made any impression, as the innings collapsed to a disappointing 113 all out in 33.3 overs, Ramsammy taking 2 for 23 and Walshe, 2 for 11.

PLAXTOL v FLIMWELL

Batting first by choice, Plaxtol scored quickly through Peter Eames, 36, Mike Deane, 25, but wickets also fell regularly to Bates, 2 for 38 and Downes, 2 for 32. Graeme Coombes stood resolute and provided the lynchpin of the innings, being undefeated on 71 in a final score of 221 for seven that was assisted by a late flurry of 26 from Dave Smale. Flimwell made a steady reply and were kept up with asking rate, mainly by Andy Taylor's 54. However, Matt Duggan then tore into the batting, taking 4 for 44 in his nine over spell that left Flimwell with an impossible task. Despite 27 not out from Steve Barden, the innings closed on 172 for seven, Brendan Carr taking 2 for 22 in seven overs.

EYNSFORD v SISSINGHURST

In a match dominated by batsmen, Eynsford beat Sissinghurst by eight wickets. Batting first by choice, Sissinghurst made an unpromising start, losing both Hammond and Pocock cheaply. This serevd to bring together Mike Burgess and David Bugge, who shared a partnership of 166 that was broken only on the last ball of the innings, when Burgess was caught for 130, Bugge remaining not out on 56 in a final score of 224 for three. Not to be outdone, Peter Day, 58, and Gary Atkins formulated an opening partnership of 166 in 28 overs for Eynsford. Both were out in quick succession, Atkins for 110, having very sportingly adjudged himself run out, as umpire and bowler collided trying to avoid both ball and onrushing batsman. Jamie Wise, 35 and Paul Geear were then left to cruise to victory at 226 for two in 36.3 overs.

OUTWOOD v GROOMBRIDGE

Outwood were asked to bat, which seemed to please Neil Stevens, 63, and Ashley Mackenzie, fresh from honeymoon, 69, in second wicket partnership that was the cornerstone of a final score of 245 for seven. A feature of the innings was three stumpings for W Boulter, two off A Woolgar, who finished with 3 for 38 from five overs. In reply, Phil Newington and J Hinks both made 23, but John Kershaw was insuperable, taking 4 for 14 in nine overs, Martyn Cass, 2 for 17 in five overs and Neil Garrett, 2 for nought in 2.3 overs, together wrapping up the remaining part of the innings in 22.3 overs as Groombrigde were dismissed for a disappointing 60, the last seven wickets falling for 17 runs.

BIDBOROUGH v LIMPSFIELD CHART

Limpsfield Chart elected to bat and lost early wickets to page and Mitchell. However, Betts, 27 and Green, especially, with 64 not out, took advantage of some loose bowling to generate a final score of 169 for eight, Ian Mooore taking 3 for 38. Bidborough began well through Peter Eames, 25, and D Portmann, 49, Howes continuing with 28 and it looked as if they would cruise to victory. Ollie Blake then claimed three wickets in one over to introduce an element of doubt at 120 for six. However, Moore, 15 and Cook, 19, rallied to push Bidborough to 170 for seven with nine balls remaining.

HADLOW v PENSHURST PARK

Penshurst Park asked Hadlow to bat and, ultimately, this proved to be a good decision, despite the fact that, on a wicket of variable pace and bounce, Hadlow got off to a flyer, the first fifty coming up in the eleventh over for the loss of only one wicket, Stick making 30. However, the next twenty overs produced only 47 runs, as nine over spells from Rex Dinnage, 2 for 18, and Dave Smith, 1 for 22, applied the brakes, Hadlow finally stumbling to 138 all out in 39.5 overs, Mike Mernagh top scoring with 39 and Colville taking 4 for 30. Given the wicket, the total looked defendable and Penshurst's reply began cautiously. Indeed, for much of the innings, the run rate was behind that needed. Forty were still required off the last ten overs with half the team out. However, Rex Dinnage was Penshurst's hero, scoring an undefeated 67 to guide his team, almost single-handedly, to victory with ten balls left on 142 for nine. Mick Mernagh, 1 for 9 in nine overs and Richard Mernagh, 2 for 28, were the pick of Hadlow's repulsed attack.

CROCKHAM HILL v FOUR ELMS

Four Elms asked Crockham Hill to bat on a wicket that proved to be of early help to bowlers. Jim Cole went cheaply, but Mark Packer, 22, and Stuart Taylor, 18, seemed to be repairing matters, until their unnecessary dismissals brought in C Hogan, 31, and M Worsley, 28, to stabilise the innings, against Seegar, who conceded only 13 runs in his nine overs. Mike Harding, with 4 for 23, was mainly responsible for ensuring that Crockham Hill could not manage more than 137 for nine. Bass and Gill made matters difficult for the openers, but this served to bring in Kevin Allman, who powered his way to 97, ably assisted by Richards, so that Four Elms reached 138 for three in only 22.3 overs.

ST LAWRENCE v CRANBROOK

St Lawrence were asked to bat and found scoring difficult form a ball that moved both in the air and off the seam, such that at 28 for the first wicket, only 15 runs had come from the bat. Wickets fell regularly as the incoming batsmen tried to accelerate the run rate and, at 91 for 6 in the 35^th over, a low score looked probable. However, some lusty blows by Rob Smeeton that took him to an unbeaten 47, made the score look more respectable on 155 for seven, D Fox taking 2 for 22 in nine overs, Chris Faulkner, 2 for 14 in seven overs and Lee Millard, 2 for 35 in six overs. Cranbrooks reply started well and they were soon scoring at four per over. F. Briley, Junior, then accelerated the rate, supported by Faulkner, 23, and Healy, 24, the winning runs coming in the 32nd over at 156 for three, with Briley unbeaten on 54.

2ND X1 DIVISION

Pembury v Leigh

Pembury asked Leigh to bat first on a wicket affected by Friday’s heavy rain and they soon found themselves 15 for three. This was a situation from which they never recovered, as Pembury’s bowling steadily chipped away the wickets despite stubborn defence to take all ten for only 76 runs by the 37^th over, Boakes taking 2 for 24, Weaver, 2 for 17 and Hughes, 2 for 12, each from nine overs. Peter Massie opened aggressively making 39 for Pembury, the only hiccup occurring when McNab took 2 wickets in 2 balls, which caused the fourth wicket batsmen to take their time getting the last few runs to reach 77 for three after 22.3 overs.

Groombridge v Outwood

Batting first, Groombridge raced to 36 in six overs through Noble, 28, and Vivier, 15, but then collapsed dramatically to 88 all out in 31.3 overs. The chief destroyers were Cook, 3 for 27 in nine overs, Roger Waller, 3 for 17 in seven and Peter Murray, a remarkable 3 for six in nine overs. Outwood then reached 93 for the loss of two wickets in 19 overs, Waller top scoring with 30.

Four Elms v Crockham Hill

Four Elms were asked to bat and struggled early on, particularly against C Smith. However, Dom Conlin weathered the storm and was happy to see Croft raise the tempo with a hard hit 35. He was followed by Steve Little, who batted and ran well for an unbeaten 46. Meanwhile, Conlin, having made a slow 50, then became aggressive and raced to 87, as the innings closed on 205 for four. In reply, Crockham Hill raced away through Peacock, 48, and smith who batted brilliantly for an unbeaten 93. Eleven runs were required from the last over, but only sven were made, leaving the score on 201 for five, Fred Naden taking 2 for 42 and Croft 1 for 25 in six overs.

Sissinghurst v Eynsford

Sissinghurst's early order had no answer to Phillips, who claimed 3 for 13 in nine overs. N Shuter then scored 50, but Syres wrapped up the lower order with 3 for 28, as the innings subsided to 113 all out. Eynsford reached their target at 114 for the loss of only three wickets, Steve Crawley being unbeaten on 42, Toby Crisp making 27.

Limpsfield Chart v Bidborough

Bidborough asked Limpsfield Chart to bat and were able to bowl them out for 90 in 39.2 overs. Harrison top scored with 28 and House made 15, but the middle and lower order collapsed against Levy, 5 for 8 in six overs, Browning and Bushell each claiming two wickets. Bidborough’s reply was steady, Gary Dunbar steering them home with an unbeaten 37 in a score of 92 for two in 24 overs.

Cranbrook v St Lawrence

St Lawrence were unable to raise a side and the match was awarded to Cranbrook.

1ST X1 DIVISION

PEMBURY v ST LAWRENCE

On a lively wicket, Pembury were restricted early on by Ayling, who finished with 3 for 32 and Smeeton, 2 for 34, but gathered some momentum in a third wicket partnership between Chris Pugh, 47, and Bob Eaton, who went on to make 77. Watts and Lovell added 21 and 25, respectively to take the final score to 210 for seven. In reply, Hemstalk, 2 for 22 from nine and Bidder, 1 for 33, claimed early wickets, before spirited batting from Leonard, 48 not out, Heasman, 27 and Ayling, 40, gave St Lawrence hope. However, Dawes, 2 for 30, made life difficult for the later batsmen and the innings closed on 170 for seven to keep Pembury at the top of the table.

CROCKHAM HILL v PLAXTOL

Plaxtol elected to bat and started uncertainly, losing four key wickets for under 60 runs, Kevin Westcott taking 2 for 18 in nine overs and Reynolds, 1 for 11 in five. Matt Duggan led the recovery with 65, being assisted in a fifth wicket partnership by Punch, who hit 27, both falling to Bass, 2 for 36. Some late order contributions saw Plaxtol to a final score of 187 for eight. Crockham Hill’s response was slow against Smale, 2 for 21 in nine overs and Mount, Taylor making 32 and Reynolds, 31, before retiring hurt. Tim Bourke livened up matters with a characteristic flourish that produced an unbeaten 48, but it was insufficient to take the reply beyond 170 for six wickets, 17 runs adrift.

EYNSFORD v LEIGH

For the second successive week, Eynsford topped 220 but failed to win. Leigh won the toss and batted, the more senior of the two Mark Wood’s surviving an early chance to go onto 45 in partnership with Darren Flint, who punished some wayward bowling, to make 66 in first wicket stand that put on 112 by the 21st over. The other Leigh batsmen continued to punish the bowling, Walshe making 30, only perishing in pursuit of the elusive extra point and some excellent catching in the deep. A final score of 236 all out was achieved, Matt Stanley taking 3 for 56 and Craig Buchan, 3 for 32 from four overs. Eynsford's reply was once again led by Gary Atkins and Peter Day as they put on 74 from the first 11 overs, but the rest of the top order fell to leave Eynsford at 160 for 5 after 30 overs, still needing 87 to win. Paul Geear led the way with the lower order all contributing, until eight runs were needed off the final over and only one wicket remaining. A four from the first ball looked to make Eynsford favourites but, with the field spreadout, Geear could not retain the strike and Luke Grayland restricted the runs until 2 were required to win from the last ball, from which Geear was run out inches from the line, with Eynsford all out for 235, one run short, to conclude a memorable match. Clive Gordine claimed 3 for 47, Ramsammy, 2 for 43 and Dave Walshe, 2 for 39.

FLIMWELL v OUTWOOD

Flimwell pulled off a surprise victory by three runs in a thrilling match. They elected to bat first and were inhibited by economical bowling from Christie, who conceded only 14 runs in his nine overs, Barnes, 3 for 39 and Kershaw, such that six wickets were down for 95 runs. However, Parker, with 65 and Matthews, with an unbeaten 42, shattered the change bowlers, literally in the case of Ian Milton’s thumb, to propel the score to a much healthier 212 for seven. Justin Barnes, 27 and Neil Stevens, 53, set off in their customary racy manner, adding 55 for the first wicket, followed by 40 from Blaise Hammond and, at 130 for three, Outwood looked well set. They reckoned without Andy Taylor, who whittled his way through the middle order to claim 5 for 39 in nine overs. Nevertheless, with five runs required for victory, Outwood had three wickets in hand. Two of these were snapped up immediately by Martin Noon and Ian Milton, who had suffered earlier injury, was unable to bat, leaving the innings on 209 for nine with an over to spare, Milton's injury proving crucial to the outcome of the match.

LIMPSFIELD CHART v HADLOW

Hadlow elected to bat first and made 200 for the loss of only three wickets. The innings was built around an unbeaten 90 from Williamson, who rode his luck at times. An aggressive 45 from Richard Mernagh inflicted late damage, as 90 runs were added from the last 11 overs. In reply, Limpsfield Chart were never in the hunt, slumping to 16 for four in the face of attack from Renouf, 2 for 16, and Mike Mernagh, 3 for 24, both from nine overs. Only Malcolm Stroudley, with 52, was able too repulse them and it was left to some lower order resistance from Hemple, Armagon and Glosby to salvage a batting point at 124 for nine.

SISSINGHURST v BIDBOROUGH

Sissinghurst elected to bat and were surprised by a fiery opening spell from Page, who took 2 for 15 in seven overs, supported by Moore, 2 for 36, also in seven. A further two wickets for Cardinelli reduced the innings to 80 for six. Initial rescue was performed by Jon Agar, who made 60 and the task was completed by Ben Dance, 48 and Richard Knowler, 37, in an unbroken seventh wicket partnership that took the final score to 226 for seven wickets, an unlikely yield at one stage. Bidborough's response was led by Peter Eames, who made 55 to give his side a chance at 108 for three after 26 overs. However, the innings was ripped apart by David Bugge, who captured 4 for 22 in five overs, before retiring with an injury. Thereafter, despite some defiance by Ian Moore, 17 not out, there was no one to perform a recovery act and the innings petered out to 163 for nine, Nick Chambers taking 2 for 28 at the close.

GROOMBRIDGE v CRANBROOK

In a remarkably high scoring game, three innings dominated proceedings. First, the Groombridge openers, John Spence, 97, and Phil Newington, 72, raced to 182, the remaining batsmen taking the final score to 261 for six wickets, D Fox claiming 3 for 42. Cranbrook began steadily, Millard making 37 but all that had gone before was eclipsed by a sensational innings from Andy Healey. Despite seeing wickets fall cheaply at the other end, he blazed away, receiving crucial support from Stuart Briley, 17, in a sixth wicket partnership of 66 and, ultimately, F Ormsby, 14 not out, as he steered his side to an improbable victory with an unbeaten 153 in the 39th over on 264 for six wickets, Kim Stephenson taking 3 for 55.

PENSHURST PARK v FOUR ELMS

Penshurst Park chose to bat and made steady progress to 84 for two around the halfway stage, despite losing Leegood and Lochhead, 31, to lbw decisions. Rob Hunter was again in solid form and he was joined by Rex Dinnage in a prosperous third wicket partnership that looked like taking the game beyond Four Elms. However, Hunter was run out for 66 and Dinnage miscued on 42 to foreshorten an innings that faltered to 189 for six, including three run outs. Lochhead, who finished with 2 for 32, and Wilkin, 3 for 32, opened in fiery manner and Four Elms were reduced to 33 for two. Kevin Allman and Stuart Bradley rode the storm and established ascendancy in taking the score to 133, before Bradley was dismissed by the returning Lochhead for a well earned 24. Allman was in elegant and punishing form and, surviving several close and confident calls, moved on 109 before his dismissal left Four Elms requiring a further 20 runs. They were steered home by Seegar and Conlin reaching 190 for seven with five overs to spare.

2ND X1 DIVISION

Bidborough v Sissinghurst

Bidborough elected to bat and were given a good start by openers Doug Moore, 27 and David Walker, 26. Then, a devastating spell of 5 for 28 in nine overs from G Rusling, pegged them back until lusty hitting from Mark Murphy, 30, and Paul Levy, 46 not out took the score from 94 for five to 183 for six. Sissinghurst started unsteadily, Pritchard claiming 2 for 26. Askem, 34, and Bezant, 29, eased them back into the game before some phenomenal catching gave Bidborough new hope. It was left to Leake, aided by Graham White, to take advantage of injury and infirmity to steer his side to victory on 186 for seven with two overs to spare despite Levy's 2 for 21 in 5.4 overs.

Cranbrook v Groombridge

Groombridge chose to field and were rocked as Cranbrook totalled 240 for six wickets. Opener, C Woollett, set the tone with 56, D Cooper added 35, but it was C Allan, with 83, who was the main reason for the impressive scoreline, Julian Litchfield taking 3 for 32 in nine overs. In reply, Groombridge lost three early wickets, G Woollett claiming 3 for 33 in nine overs. Cliff Vivier, 33, and N Patel, 32, sought to recover matters, but wickets fell at regular intervals and, despite a late effort from Bayley and Dacombe, each scoring 23, the innings ended on 169 for nine, a long way short, P Allan capturing 4 for 17 in eight overs.

Hadlow v Limpsfield Chart

Hadlow were given a sound foundation by another half century opening stand between Brian Dolding and Nigel Gethins, who went onto make 65, aided by J Sandry, 33. Hopes of a large total were quashed by Andy Dale’s 3 for 21 from nine overs and 3 for 41 by Higgins that restricted the score to 183 for seven. However, this proved to be a more than adequate total as Limpsfield Chart were dismissed for just 45 in 21 overs. The destroyers were Steve Foad, who took 2 for 2 in six overs, Gooden, 2 for 28 in seven, M Head 4 for four in five overs and D Boulle 2 for seven in three overs. Only House and Berry managed double figures.

Flimwell v Outwood

Outwood chose to bat first and lost Mcleod to an injury in the first over. Roger Vicars 46, John Mills with 25 and Richard Norris, with a hard hit 24, looked like setting a big score, but the rest of the order could not sustain the scoring and were all out for 122. Stuart Gibb claimed 2 for 39 in nine overs, D Wilson, 2 for 32 in 7.5 overs and Don Cox, 2 for five in only four overs. In reply, Mike Reeves with 24 and Ian Atkins, 22, started well but Vicars removed them both with caught and bowled dismissals. It was left to Schofield, 39 not out and Chapple, 27 not out, to steer Flimwell home in 23.1 overs on 123 for three.

St Lawrence v Pembury

Pembury, batting first by choice, were put under pressure by St Lawrence's opening attack of the Martin brothers, whose father was also playing. A second wicket stand of 78 between Massie, 45, and Moxon, 54, proved to be match-winning, particularly in the light of a devastating spell of 4 for 9 in four overs form Coles that reduced Pembury to a reachable 143 for 8. However, St Lawrence struggled to come to terms with the target, finding too little support for Paul Martin, who made 41. Weaver’s 3 for 24 was an important contribution, Stacey, Hemstalk and Hughes each claiming two wickets as the innings subsided to 115 all out in 35.4 overs

Eynsford v Leigh

1ST X1 DIVISION

LEIGH v PLAXTOL

On a flat and dry wicket in cloudy and breezy conditions helpful to bowling, Leigh got off to a strong start, thanks to Darren Flint and Marc Wood, who posted 100 in the 24^th over before Wood was out for 44. Although Flint went on to score 83, no other Leigh batsman really got going and the 200 came up with the final ball of the innings with a six hit by Clive Gordine, four wickets having been lost. All Plaxtol’s bowlers bowled well, with Mount, 2 for 32, and Watson, 26 runs from nine overs, being the pick. In reply, Plaxtol got off to a slower start due to tight bowling by Leigh, particularly by Gordine, who picked up the only wicket to fall in the early overs, that of the prolific opener, Eames. Harris then bowled tidily and was unlucky not to get wickets as Plaxtol fell behind the clock, but had nine wickets in hand. Watson began to bat with increasing aggression, so that Plaxtol needed around 100 off the final 14 overs, for which Leigh were able to bring on Linstead and Chalenor, who turned out to be key players. Opening bat, Court fell for 39 and Watson began to lose partners at frequent intervals, no one else made double figures as Watson eventually perished for 81, caught in the deep by Walshe. The remaining wickets fell quickly as Plaxtol tried to reach an increasingly difficult target, Chalenor doing most of the damage, finishing with four for 39, Linstead 2 for 46 and two run outs, as Plaxtol were dismissed for 187 with two balls remaining, thus throwing the title race wide open.

PEMBURY v GROOMBRIDGE

Pembury were asked to bat and Chris Pugh resumed service in customary style, scoring a rapid 80 as wickets fell at the other end. An unbroken sixth wicket onslaught between Jamie Lovell, 49 and Hemstalk, 23, that saw 62 added in the final five overs, took the score to 228 for six, Parish and Stephenson each picking up two wickets. Groombridge attacked from the start, Phil Newinton making 27 and John Spence, 31. The innings faltered as both openers were dismissed in a two over spell by Richard Dawes, who followed this up with superb piece of fielding to run out Jamie Woolgar. Dave Parish, 20, Keith Sleat, 15 and Julian Litchfield, 29, tried to restore matters, but Dawes and Dave Knight had the last word, returning figures of 4 for 20 from 8.1 overs and 3 for 14 from nine overs, respectively as Groombridge were dismissed for 159 in 38.1 overs.

EYNSFORD v OUTWOOD

On neutral territory at Plaxtol, Outwood asked Eynsford to bat on an excellent wicket. Peter Day, 71 and Gary Atkins, 29, got them off to another good start, before Atkins was run out on a misunderstanding. Jamie Wise then carried the momentum forward, making 49, whilst Day batted on serenly. Lindsay Hamill bludgeoned 30 and other wickets fell in a scramble for runs, the innings closing on 224 for seven, Justin Barnes claiming 4 for 37. All of Outwood’s batsmen stuck to their, each one making at least twenty. Neil Stevens led the way with 51, Ian Milton, 33 and Martyn Cass, 31, but with five overs to go it seemed that Eynsford would win. However, Neil Garrett and Peter Murray smashed 38 and 17, respectively in five overs that yielded 52 runs to take the score to 227 for five with 8 balls to spare.

HADLOW v BIDBOROUGH

PENSHURST PARK v CRANBROOK

Cranbrook asked Penshurst Park to bat and found Rob Hunter continuing in the same form as the previous week, this time scoring 65, which provided a firm basis for an eventual total of 198 all out. The next highest score was from Dave Smith with 40, hit from 15 balls. The middle and lower order fell prey to the wiles of Fran Briley, Senior, who claimed 4 for 47 in nine overs, Lee Millard taking 3 for 30, also from nine. Despite losing Millard without scoring, Cranbrook made an impressive start through Simon Casebourne, 20, and Fran Briley, Junior, who made a fluent 66 before falling victim to Hargreaves, who went onto to capture 5 for 66 from nine overs that enjoyed some good fortune. Late resistance from Dowling, 28, and P Briley took Cranbrook within sight of victory, but Wilkin returned to mop up the tail, finishing with 4 for 33 in 8.4 overs as the innings closed on 177 all out with 5.2 overs remaining.

SISSINGHURST v FOUR ELMS

On a wicket that gave encouragement to bowlers, Sissinghurst asked Four Elms to bat and the decision was soon justified as three wickets fell for 13 runs. Allman took the game to Sissinghurst with 26, but it was Bob Richards, with a mature 33, and Geoff Medhurst, with a belligerent 35 who repaired matters in a fifth wicket partnership of 66. After their dismissals to Richard Knowler, 3 for 27, the rest of the innings succumbed to J Thompson, who returned the amazing figures of 5 for nine from 8.1 overs, in a final score of 131 all out. Mike Burgess attacked from the outset, making 24 out of the first 28, David Bugge rode his fortune for 22, Tom Allan batted steadily for 24 and, at 88 for two in 27 overs, victory seemed a formality for Sissinghurst, despite 1 for 16 from Tim Seegar. However, Pike, 2 for 27 from nine, and Allman, 2 for 16 from six, turned the screws and, assisted by three run outs, Four Elms found themselves favourites, as the innings subsided to 119 for eight. Throughout this time, Andy Knowler batted sensibly but could not quite make the 12 runs required from the final over, being magnificently caught in the deep by Shepherd off the final ball, the innings closing on 129 for nine, three runs short of victory, in a match that Sissinghurst should not have lost.

ST LAWRENCE v CROCKHAM HILL

Having won the toss, St. Lawrence decided to bat but were soon in trouble to tight bowling by Bass and Westcott and, at 13 for 4, a very low total looked probable. However, some spirited batting by Oli Smith, 41, and, later, by Rob Smeeton, 14, brought a semblance of respectability to a final score of 75 all out. Crockham Hill found batting as difficult against Paul Martin, 1 for 14 from six, Andy Darry, 1 for 13 from nine Smeeton, 1 for 22 from seven and David Ayling, 2 for 15 from 4.2 overs, but rode their luck and reached the target in 26.2 overs at 76 for five wickets.

LIMPSFIELD CHART v FLIMWELL

Flimwell bowled out Limpsfield Chart for 80 and then knocked off the runs, making 81 for the loss of only three wickets. No further information is available.

2ND X1 DIVISION

Hadlow elected to bat and lost three early wickets to Wigger and Cardinelli, 2 for 25 from nine overs. The innings was steadied by Dolding, 20, Blacklee, 28, Foad, 34 and Head, 24 not out, before it was finished off by Wigger, 5 for 22 in nine overs, at 161 for eight. Bidborough also lost three early wickets but, despite 31 from Gary Dunbar and 26 from G Thorne, they could not fashion a similar recovery against very tight bowling by Foad, Wickman, 2 for 27 and Blacklee, 2 for 19, who reduced the innings to 89 for eight. Eames and Cardinelli made 14 apiece to take the final reply to 125 for nine.

Pembury started well through Moxon, 27 and Colin Buckle, who had to retire hurt on 19. Thereafter, wickets fell at regular intervals to Hodges, 2 for 23 from nine, Constable, 2 for 42 and Bennett, 3 for 27 in seven overs. It was left to Hemstalk, 31, and Patel, 36 not out, in an eighth wicket stand to lift Pembury's score to 161 for eight. Despite losing two early wickets, Noble, 70, and Bennett, 63, steered Groombridge home at 162 for two in an unbroken third wicket partnership with seven overs to spare.

Flimwell batted first and with 10 men only managed to score 88 all out in 19.3 overs, Pickles top scoring with 27, Chapple adding 17. Singleton claimed 3 for 34 in nine overs, Higgins, 3 for 15 in 4.3 overs and Berry, 2 for four in one over. In reply Limpsfield Chart could not beat the score and the game ended in a tie at the end of 40 overs as they failed to score the two runs needed of the last over to win the game, closing on 88 for nine wickets. Pickles claimed 4 for 14 in nine overs, Cox 2 for 12 in six and Prince, 2 for three in three overs in a remarkable effort by Flimwell.

Four Elms asked Sissinghurst to bat and were punished for dropping a number of catches that allowed their opponents to reach 176 for five. G Rusling made 42, largely in partnership with S Kelly, 45. Later, M Askem added 31 and Jon Gurr, 27. Harris and Jenner bowled tightly without reward, Croft claiming two for 31. In reply, the early batting of Four Elms was in trouble against Deakin, 2 for eight in nine overs, Leake and Bezant, 3 for 16 in nine, being reduced to 40 for five. John Stowell made a lusty 40 in conjunction with Alan Jenner but, after their dismissals, the innings fell away to 103 all out under pressure from Kelly, 3 for 22 in four overs.

St Lawrence recorded their first win of the season in narrowly defeating Crockham Hill by one wicket in a low scoring game. St Lawrence chose to field first and soon claimed four cheap wickets, T Martin taking 3 for 12 in his nine overs and R Berry, 1 for 11 in six. However, Matt Bullock hit 46 and, with assistance from the lower order, was able to push the score to 105 for nine, T Blain taking 2 for 14 in four overs. St Lawrence found themselves in even deeper trouble early in their innings losing six wickets for less than thirty runs, mainly to C Smith, who turned in the amazing figures of five wickets for six runs in nine overs, five of which were maidens. D Patel stood firm to make 20, but it was an eighth wicket stand between Richard Berry, with 21, and I Blain, 27, which swung the game round to St Lawrence, Coomber eventually steering them home on 106 for nine in 33.4 overs, Bullock and Underwood each claiming two wickets.

Ironically, Outwood and Eynsford played the only match to be completed on the equivalent day in 1998. This year it was the only match not to take place as Outwood could not raise a side.

1ST X1 DIVISION

Bidborough v Four Elms

Four Elms were asked to bat first and were restricted by tight Bidborough bowling to 120 for seven, Ian Jones making 29, R Nicol, 24 and S Village, 30 not out. Murphy claimed 2 for 17 in nine overs and Levy, 2 for 16 off five. In reply, Bidborough were in trouble against Fred Naden, who took 4 for 20 in nine overs to leave the home side worried at 42 for 4. However, a strong innings from G Thorne of 42 not out saw them home at 122 for five in 32.1 overs.

Flimwell v Pembury

Flimwell were asked to bat first and, after losing Matthews for 0, made slow progress being 101 for two after 30 overs, M Gibb, 35. Acceleration took place to 179 for five in 40 overs, largely through Richard Dibley’s controlled innings of 94. In reply, Pembury batted steadily, C Buckle, 25, Alan Moxon, 52, and Keith Hemstalk, with an unbeaten 50, saw Pembury home at 181 for four in 36 overs, A Knight taking 2 for 32.

Limpsfield Chart v Sissinghurst

Limpsfield Chart batted first and were dismissed for 92 in 35.1 overs, Kane top scoring with 27, just beating extras with 26. Deakin, Leake and Drake all claimed two wickets. Sissinghurst lost three cheap wickets to Maynard and Gooding, but Deakin, 37 not out and Kelly, 28, not out, saw them to victory at 94 for three.

Eynsford v Cranbrook

No game took place as Cranbrook failed to raise a side. Mmm

St Lawrence v Groombridge

St Lawrence, put in by Groombridge on a slightly slow pitch which helped the bowlers with occasional steep lift, struggled to post an adequate score. Dak Patel played a conscientious innings of 37 but could find only limited support as the innings faltered to 94 all out in 35.3 overs. The Groombridge bowlers all showed accuracy and shared the wickets equally, with Scales perhaps the pick with 2-14 in his nine overs. In reply, Groombridge made steady progress against tight bowling and fielding to win by 8 wickets in 28 overs at 97 for two, Agate making 38, Vivier, 24 and woolgar, 22 not out.

Leigh v Outwood

PLAXTOL v PENSHURST PARK

Penshurst Park elected to bat, but none of the batsmen could master some tight bowling from Plaxtol's attack in which Mike Slater captured 3 for 33, Dave Smale, 2 for 27, supported by economical spells from Matt Duggan, 1 for 30 and Steve Watson, 1 for 26. Extras at 37 top the scoring in an innings that totalled 158 for seven. In reply, Peter Eames continued his outstanding form, missing out on a third consecutive century by a mere 6 runs, as Platol reached 160 for four in 33.5 overs.

GROOMBRIDGE v HADLOW

Groombridge caused an upset by beating Hadlow by six wickets. Hadlow were asked to bat and reached 55 for two after 20 overs for the loss of Stick and Mike Mernagh. There followed a stand of 100 between Martin Hart, who ended on 73 and Richard Mernagh, 47, before the innings was reduced to 193 for eight, largely the result of Kim Stephenson's efforts, 4 for 44, and some smart catching. Groombridge's response was positive via an opening stand of 73 between Phil Newington, 61, and John Spence, 32. Their work was carried onto good effect by Cairns, 30 not out, and Keith Sleat, 27 not out, as they reached 196 for four in the 37^th over.

PEMBURY v SISSINGHURST

Pembury began impressively through Richard Leadbetter, 43, and Chris Pugh, who put on 74 for the first wicket. The momentum was carried on by Bob Eaton, 44, whilst Pugh continued through most of the innings to 88 in a final score of 216 for eight, Thompson taking 2 for 45. Sissinghurst began well through Mike Burgess, 31, but an orgy of impetuous batting saw the innings slump to 58 for five, Richard Bidder snatching 4 for 31 in nine overs. Andy Knowler, 43, and Trevor Wright, 47, responded with a confident partnership that took Sissinghurst witnin reach of victory, but it proved elusive, the innings closing on 194 for nine, Richard Dawes taking 3 for 23 in seven overs.

ST LAWRENCE v OUTWOOD

Outwood elected to bat and were soon in trouble, losing four wickets for 38 runs to P Martin and A Smith. Peter Kane brought about their initial recovery with a well struck 68, aided by Adrian Young, whose unbeaten 41 also supported a devastating onslaught by Matthew Winfield, who scored 92 not out, as Outwood rallied to total 224 for five. St Lawrence also struggled early in their innings, slumping to 39 for four against Adrian Christie, 3 for 18 in nine overs, and John Kershaw. P Cook, 36, and David Ayling, 37, brought about a recovery but it failed to blossom in the same manner as had Outwood's. Fittingly, it was brought to an end by Winfield, who captured 4 for 24 in six overs, as St Lawrence were dismissed for 125 in 38 overs, Rose claiming 2 wickets for two runs.

CROCKHAM HILL v EYNSFORD

Eynsford continued their batting spree of late in totalling 222 for eight. Peter Day was a mainstay in scoring 69, Gary Atkin smashed a quik 42 and Paul geear added a steady 49. Stuart Taylor and Tim Bourke each claimed three wickets. Crockham Hill’s reply was led by Jim Cole, who scored 51 out of an opening partnership of 62. Despite three scores of over 20, M Worsley making 30, the middle and lower order could not capitalise on this start, the innings closing on 186 for eight, Jamie Wise claiming 4 for 45.

LEIGH v LIMPSFIELD CHART

An under-strength Leigh chose to field and some wayward bowling was taken advantage of by Betts and Stroudley, who scored 40. Tiltman then found his line and length to claim four wickets in seven overs for 41 runs. Despite a regular fall of wickets, Betts continued unabashed, eventually reaching 93 not out in a final score of 176 for nine. This was just sufficient to give Limpsfield Chart their first league victory of the season as they dismissed Leigh for 163 in the 37^th over. Only Marc Wood, with 47, and a sixth wicket partnership of 33 in four overs, heralded hope against Betts, 3 for 33 and Glosby, 4 for 32.

BIDBOROUGH v CRANBROOK

Cranbrook asked Bidborough to bat and they reached a meritorious 224 for six wickets. Richard Warner top scored with 65, P Eames made 43, R Cook, 38 and R Pritchard, 26 not out, D Faulkner taking 2 for 33. In reply, most of Cranbrook’s batsmen got themselves in but could not force the pace. Fran Briley, senior, made 26, A Healey, 23, Lee Millard, 27, whilst there was late flurry from Dowling and Fox, as the innings ended on 170 for eight, Cook claiming 3 for 19 and Browning, 2 for 26.

FLIMWELL v FOUR ELMS

Four Elms asked Flimwell to bat on a wicket that turned out to be indifferent after rain on the previous day. Flimwell made a steady but unspectacular start reaching 68 for the loss of only one wicket, Atkins for 21, after 20 overs. Them a remarkable collapse occurred, precipitated by Chris Naden, who claimed 7 wickets for 11 runs in 7.3 overs, aided by some excellent catching and a determination by Flimwell's batsmen to carry on driving that saw them dismissed for 94 in 32.3 overs, Barden making 19 and Taylor 26. In reply, Four Elms were reduced to 6 for two, giving Flimwell great encouragement. However, Kevin Allman rose above the crowd to make 44, so that the following batsmen could edge to victory in 24.3 overs on 96 for six, as Flimwell stuck to their task, Bates taking 2 for 32 and Downes, 2 for 8.

Cranbrook and Bidborough

Bidborough batted first and totalled an impressive 237 for four, David Walker scoring 94 and S Dunster, 62 not out. This target proved to be well beyond a depleted Cranbrook, who were skittled out for 35 by Ian Moore’s 6 for 17, only G Woollett reaching double figures with 16.

Four Elms and Flimwell

Four Elms chose to bat and, after a bright start, were constrained by Stuart Gibb, who bowled his last eight overs for a mere three runs, and Tony Pickles, who was almost as parsimonious. Ian Jones top scores with 20 as the innings closed on 93. Four Elms then spurned the chance to remain in the game by dropping five catches, enabling the opening partnership to reach 80 before Fred Naden struck with 3 wickets. This was all too late as Flimwell reached 94 for five.

Limpsfield Chart v Leigh

Leigh elected to bat and were given a great start by Vic Clark, 38 and, particularly, Clive Harding, who went onto complete an unbeaten 106 in a final score of 188 for five. N Gooding took 3 for 33 in nine overs and R Higgins, 2 for 44. Limpsfield Chart were put behind the clock by M Parfett, who conceded only 10 runs in nine overs and D ottaway, 2 for 24 in eight overs. C Birch, 36, and M Harrison, 27, tried to up the pace in a third wicket partnership but, after their dismissal by P Wynn-Owen, who finished with 4 for 44, the rest of the innings fell away to 146 for seven.

Eynsford v Crockham Hill

Eynsford batted first and were largely indebted to Eric Lindsell, 73 and Steve Crawley, 36, for their total of 188 for six wickets, five of which were claimed by Patterson for only 22 runs. The, Eynsford managed to dismiss Crockham Hill for 135, P Kane making 33 and C Wadsworth, 32. The bowling honours went to Dom Syres, 3 for 24 in 6.5 overs, Chris Hunt, 3 for 39 in nine and Ian Pound, 2 for 23 in eight overs.

Hadlow v Groombridge

Hadlow were put into a position of strength by an undefeated 112 from Nigel Gethins and 41 from Brian Dolding that gave them a total of 211 for three wickets. Despite four scores of over 20, Bennett making 26 and Jenkins 25, Groombridge were restricted to 135 for nine, Adrian Blacklee taking 4 for 36 and A Wren, 2 for 37.

Sissinghurst v Pembury

Sissinghurst batted first but only Graham Rusling, 30 and S Kelly, 31, reached double figures as they were dismissed for 102. A Bradford claimed 3 for 16 in five overs, N Stacey, 2 for 22 in nine overs, Alan Hughes, 1 for 15 in nine and D Patel 2 for 16 in eight. Pembury made light work of their target, Peter Massie scoring 50 not out in their score of 103 for the loss of one wicket.

Outwood and St Lawrence.

St Lawrence were unable to raise a side, thereby conceding the match to Outwood.

HADLOW v PEMBURY

Hadlow elected to bat on a dry wicket that was best at the start, such that batting first proved to be decisive. Steve Jobber with 46 and Ted Cottrell, 24 not out, succeeded most against tight bowling from Pembury, for whom A Watts, 3 for 28, and Dave Knight, 4 for 32, made sure that Hadlow were kept in check at 161 for eight. This appeared a little under par, as Pembury got off to a good start, Pugh and Leadbetter putting on 50 for the first wicket in 17 overs. However, progress slowed and wickets fell at regular intervals, Pugh losing concentration on 36, to be caught in the deep. Thereafter, nobody stuck around as run scoring proved difficult. M Portlock, with 1 for 15, R Mernagh, 2 for 11, M Renouf, 2 for 35 and M Hart, 3 for 9, stopped the runs as well as taking wickets, Pembury being dismissed for 114 in 39.4 overs in a match that was graced by exceptional fielding by both sides.

PLAXTOL v CRANBROOK

Plaxtol elected to bat and lost an early wicket to Fran Briley, Senior, who finished with 3 for 41. However, Coombes, 22 and Eames steadied the innings. Watson, 42, joined Eames to develop a third wicket partnership of 117 and Eames went on to complete another century, ending on 128, the innings closing at 233 for seven. Alan Mount, with 3 for 31 in nine, soon had Cranbrook on the back foot. Millard batted steadily for 30, Healey added 25 and Robinson, 37, but Mike Slater, 2 for 31, broke through, before Chris Perry, with 2 for 22 and D Smale, 2 for 32, both in eight overs, polished off the innings, which closed on 157 all out.

EYNSFORD v PENSHURST PARK

Eynsford again scored heavily, reaching 276 for five. They were set on their way by Gary Atkins, who made 80 in 54 balls, adding 119 in 18 overs with Peter Day. Jamie Wise then contributed a steady 63, whilst Hamill and Dell added 37 and 31 not out in quick time. Penshurst Park made a good reply, Rob Hunter looking dangerous before perishing on 45. After that, Boyden carried on the impetus, but wickets began falling to the Wise brothers and Penshurst's challenge faltered, ending on 220 for eight.

CROCKHAM HILL v SISSINGHURST

Crockham Hill made short shrift of Sissinghurst, dismissing them for 107, of which James Hammond made 36, Nick Chambers, 19 and Jon Gurr, 16. John Bass was the main destroyer, with 3 for 19 in nine overs, aided by Pat Reynolds, 2 for 29 and Stuart Taylor, 2 for 17. In reply, Crockham Hill reached 111 for the loss of three wickets, Mike Packer making 51 and Taylor, 29 not out.

FOUR ELMS v OUTWOOD

Outwood, unsurprisingly, elected to bat and, despite the early loss of Justin Barnes, put Four Elms to the sword through a second wicket partnership of 199 between Peter Murray, 72, and Ashley McKenzie, who went onto dominate with 135. Isaac, 24 and Tedder added late runs to propel the score to 277 for four wickets, three of which were claimed by Conlin. Four Elms made a spirited reply in the face of a daunting task and were up with the rate at the halfway stage through Bob Richards, 57, Alan Crowhurst, 26 and Geoff Medhurst, 25. However, several unpropitious dismissals, including run outs, undid their cause and the innings lost momentum, ultimately grounding to a halt on 163 for eight against Christie's persistence which earnt him 3 for 16 off nine overs.

LEIGH v BIDBOROUGH

After a steady start, Leigh posted a highly respectable 206 for four in an innings that accelerated to the point where 90 were scored in the last 10 overs, with especial input from Clive Gordine, whose unbeaten 41 included 4 sixes. The whole innings was anchored by an undefeated 88 from Darren Flint. Bidborough’s reply was dominated by a determined 85 from Peter Eames, but this still left them needing 31 from the last 15 deliveries. Strong hitting from Cook, 29, and Pritchard, 23, at the end enabled a 4 wicket win for Bidborough with 3 balls remaining, on 207 for six. They were helped by some indifferent bowling and fielding from which Garry Wood, with 2-24 in 9 overs, can be excused.

FLIMWELL v ST LAWRENCE

Flimwell recorded their first victory of the season. Their decision to bat first looked a bad choice as David Ayling claimed both Atkins and Taylor for two runs. However, Steve Barden, 53, and Martin Noon, 84, rescued matters significantly, followed by Parker, whose unbeaten 62 took the total to 233 for five, Cook claiming 2 for 29. St Lawrence started well but then lost wickets on a regular basis, no one dominating the bowling in which Downes took 2 for 38, Parker, 3 for 30 and Barden, 3 for 29, slumping to 114 for nine. An unbroken last wicket partnership of 66 between Sargeant, 24 and Porter, 32, took the total to 180 for nine.

GROOMBRIDGE v LIMPSFIELD CHART

Groombridge defeated Limpsfield Chart by 78 runs. Batting first, Groombridge totalled 249 for seven. Their central partnership was provided at the third wicket by P Newington, 59 and A Cairns, 60, with later contributions from Jamie Woolgar, 28 and Julian Litchfield, 32, Betts and Glosby each claiming two wickets. In reply, Limpsfield Chart struggled against economical bowling from Woolgar, Stephenson, 3 for 39, Litchfield, 2 for 21 in seven overs and Bennett, 2 for 22. Adam Green struck 55, but the lower order fell away and the innings closed on 173 all out.

Leigh defeated Bidborough by 4 runs. Leigh chose to bat and were reduced to 59 for five in 18 overs by a combination of run outs, Stephen Browning, 1 for 29, and Ian Moore, 2 for 24, both in nine overs. However, they were rescued By Ian Bishop, 60 and Pocock, 50, who were largely instrumental in a final score of 200 for eight, Doug Moore picking up 3 for 17. He was then responsible for setting up Bidborough's challenge, making 57 in a partnership of 120 with Ian, who made 52. The rest of the batting could not sustain the momentum and were dismissed in a thrilling finish for 196 in 39.5 overs, Ottaway taking 3 for 39 and Harding 3 for 41.

Outwood rattled up 283 for four, P Stubbs being the main architect with 118. Roger Waller made 33, A Cook and J Turk adding a late 41 and 24, respectively, that took the score to an unsurmountable level. Stubbs followed up his innings with a tidy spell of nine overs for 24 runs. Dominic Conlin, 32 and Jimmy Allman, 42, brought some respectability, but the innings could only reach 137 for six, Rose and A Cook each claiming two wickets.

Hadlow elected to bat and started fairly slowly and, after 20 overs, were 57 for 2. The match was transformed by Neil Williams, who, having been missed on 42, launched a violent assault on the Pembury bowling, which wilted badly on a hot day, as Hadlow amassed 246 for seven. Blacklee made 25 and Foad, 31, Dinesh Patel picking up 3 for 47. Pembury also started steadily, making good progress through Massie, 30, Buckle, 28 and Moxon, 54 not out, but the target proved too big as Hadlow defended the boundary, Head taking 3 for 39 in a total of 186 for eight.

Crockham Hill were unable to raise a side against Sissinghurst.

Groombridge asked Limpsfield Chart to bat and were soon amongst the wickets. They were thwarted by M Harrison, who made 66 out of a final score of 116, in which the wickets were shared by N Hodges, 5 for 9 and G Constable, 5 for 16, both in eight overs. Groombridge found batting no easier, being reduced to 30 for five. A rally by Jenkins, 25 and Hodges was to no avail and the side was dismissed for 85 in 32.2 overs, Andy Dale taking 2 for 12 N Gooding, 3 for 33 in nine and Higgins 2 for four.

Flimwell beat St Lawrence by ten wickets. Batting first by choice, St Lawrence were dismissed for 105 through a combination of lack of application and accurate bowling from Gibb, who claimed 3 for 25 and Matthews, 5 for 35, both being well supported by excellent wicket-keeping from Colin Goodsell, who claimed two catches and two stumpings. Flimwell’s reply was far more measured and, in spite of hostile bowling from Tim Martin, no breakthrough could be achieved, Flimwell romping home to 106 in 23 overs through Gibb, 56, and Matthews, 39.

Postscripts

1. Reporting

This has been excellent so far this season. Thanks to everyone. As mentioned before, the number of Email responses each week amounts to almost 50% of the reports. The majority of those who use the fax submit prior to Monday. This week, for example, I had received information on all games by 21.00 on Sunday evening and I am able to send you a report by email at around midnight on Sunday. Each week will vary a bit because of the differences in response timings by various sides, but the quicker I get the data, the quicker I will process it.

2. Football

As the euphoria and jingoism rises, so does the desire of cricketers to watch matches involving England. There have been rumours of wanting our matches to start earlier, so as to accommodate viewing desires. Come on, chaps, it is cricket season and we seem to have forgotten about the english cricket team in all of this. Most of our matches finish ahead of the kick off times, giving enough time to get changed and drinks in hand. Write and tell me that I am old fashioned and curmugeonly. Half of this lot would have been in Forest’s reserves 30 years ago! Maybe UEFA will solve the problem. Seriously, do you have a problem with fitting in your cricket and watching the national football team?

3. The League

Saturday’s weather made it feel like cricket season and the run count reflected this. A pattern is developing –chase Hadlow, with Plaxtol gathering pace and, maybe, Outwood and Eynsford. Leigh are the surprise packet in the 2nd XI Division, with Hadlow and Outwood building up steam.