Kentish Express Ashford & District
Father and son partnership
Ashford Town
Sam Kennett admits the result was more important than the performance following Ashford Town’s 26-run Kent League, Division 4 home win over Rodmersham on Saturday.
A century second-wicket stand of 114 by Liam Tegg (66) and his father Neil (49) provided the bulk of the runs in a modest 169-9 but the total proved too much for the relegation-threatened visitors who were all out for 143.
Second-placed Town picked up 20 points to halve the deficit on leaders OD Cuaco (seven-wicket winners at Betteshanger) to four, while third-placed Offham also won to stay in touch.
Skipper Kennett admitted: “We haven’t batted well for a while, so it was important to win because other teams are creeping up as well.
“We fielded better and our strength is bowling.
“Liam’s knock was a patient innings, waiting for the bad ball.”
“We brought Neil in because we needed somebody to stay there,but the way our innings fell away, was shocking with other batters, including me, getting out going for their shots.”
Tegg junior then weighed in with 4-62 with the ball, backed up by Craig Buckham (3-38).
Rodmersham’s Rama Vasantham followed up his 3-39 with 41 not out carrying the visitors closer, having been 108-9 at one stage.
Kennett added: “He (Vasantham) is a good cricketer and bowled well.
“Rodmersham are at the bottom but are not the worst side in the league and have been unlucky, losing some close games.”
Town face Betteshanger this weekend, before a crucial trip to Offham the following Saturday, the penultimate weekend of the season.
James Crannis hit 47 not out as Town 2nds won by seven wickets at Frindsbury, both sides chasing runners-up spot in Division 5.