Headcorn have no answer to promotion-chasing visitors

Headcorn suffered a seven-wicket defeat by Championship East promotion hopefuls Holcombe & Blue Bell Hill. The home side were all out for 95, a total that would have been even lower but for 31 from tail-ender Steve Smith. Sanagul Maroufkhail and Rob Mansell took early wickets but Holcombe recovered and won in 22 overs. Holborough Anchorians lost to Division 1A Central leaders Hartley Country Club by 27 runs. Anchs did well to restrict Hartley to 1318, Aneil Landa (3-9) and Ruchier Bhomia (3-38) the standout bowlers. Landa made an unbeaten 62 in reply but Holborough Anchorians 2nds beat Dartford in Division 1B West. Raza (4-34) removed the top order as Dartford were held to 179-8 in reply to 212-7. Anchs’ best batsman was opener Nisar Mirza-Ha (65). Lenham maintained the pressure at the top of Division 1B Central, beating Rodmersham by 42 runs. Solid knocks from the likes of Dave Bunch (55) and Tom Curtis (37) led Lenham to 204-8. The pair also impressed with the ball, Curtis with 3-30 and Bunch 3-42, as Rodmersham fell short on 162-9. Adam Flynn entertained for Snodland Community but finished on the losing side against Borstal in Division 2A Central. The opener hit a boundary-fuelled 80, including 15 fours and a six, while Lee Hewitt was 41 not out as Snodland closed on 222-8. Tim Merry removed both openers cheaply but Borstal rallied for a six-wicket victory. Staplehurst 2nds lost to an Upchurch side whose win sent them top. Chris Watts (41 not out) and Phil Crafter (36) top-scored as the hosts closed on 189-5. But Upchurch batted well in reply and completed a seven-wicket win with just over two overs to spare.