Openers’ strong start sets tone
An opening partnership of 91 laid the foundations for Linton Park’s Division 1 win over Shipbourne. The stand was broken when James Piper went for 45 but Warren Jackson ended on 82 not out, with 12 fours, as Linton closed on 191-4. Josh Knowler then removed both openers, while Richard Knowler took 3-25, as Shipbourne closed 58 runs short of victory on 134-8. Division 2 promotion-chasers Bearsted beat Eynsford by four wickets. Dave Charlton (5-23) starred with the ball as Eynsford were skittled for 106. Noel Johnston led Bearsted to victory with a patient 45 not out from 74 balls. Marden batsman Tom Rawstone made 76 in their Division 3 success against Hadlow. Rawstone’s efforts saw his side close on 206-9. They won by 86 runs after 4-11 from Anton O’Sullivan saw Hadlow struggle to 120. West Farleigh lead Division 5 after beating Betsham in a top-of-the-table clash. Tom Osborne (3-29) was the pick of the bowlers as Betsham were held to 158-6. Captain Bill Norman (45 not out) led West Farleigh to a five-wicket victory. Linton Park 2nds fell 12 runs short of victory against Sissinghurst. Young Abishek Pushpavinothan claimed 3-35 as Sissinghurst closed on 217-5. Richard Piper (55) and Aaron Hughes (52 not out) made half-centuries in reply but Linton closed on 206-7. Tim Croom scored a century as Bearsted 2nds beat Marden 2nds in Division 7. Croom made 106, with 14 fours and two sixes, as his side posted 272-6, while John Scott took three wickets. Julian Haswell (34) and Rupert Humphrey (24) put on 57 in reply but Marden could only manage 180-8. West Farleigh 2nds tied with Speldhurst. Ray Shergill took 3-46 in Speldhurst’s 246-9. Alex Clark (86) and Jemsith Kirath (73) led the chase, with Farleigh reaching 246-8.