Last-ball anguish as victory bid falls short again

Kent Regional League

Boughton & Eastwell came out on the wrong side of a close finish for the second week running in Championship East, losing by two runs against Holcombe & Blue Bell Hill.

Having tied with St Margaret’s the previous week needing two to win off the last ball, B&E chasing 185 to win on Saturday required four this time. However, Ollie Prior and Chris Wills only managed two as B&E finished on 182-7.

Skipper Craig Mannering again led the way with 70, hitting seven fours and a six off 95 balls, before being sixth out at 172.

David Gray finished with 4-53 as Holcombe lost their last six wickets for 32.

Fifteen points from the game keeps Boughton’s hopes of avoiding relegation alive in a three-way battle involving Milstead and Sandwich. They host Milstead this weekend – both teams on 162 points – before a trip to Sandwich (163) the following week.

One positive for B&E is accruing the most bonus points (110).

Mersham have the most bonus points (89) in the Premier Division but stay bottom following their six-wicket defeat at home to Bexley 3rds.

Andrew Kingston (59) and skipper Ashley Cook (57) top scored in Sports’ 205-9 but an unbeaten 104 by Daniel Haley saw the visitors home on 207-4.

Ben Davis (63), Arthur Leaver (56) and Jack Gooding (55) helped 1A East champions-elect Saltwood (254-6) beat Canterbury 3rds (107) by 147 runs. Jonathan Brady took 5-29 and Ryan Hall polished off the tail with 4-9.

Kennington’s Sunil Gaire (4-25) and Alex Rippin (1-13 off nine overs) helped Kennington bowl out Ramsgate for only 60 to win by seven wickets.

David Finch and Jamie Carroll wrapped things up, Kennington making 62-3.

Matt Barnes finished 99 not out (13 fours and three sixes) as Wye (189-4) lost by seven wickets at home to Margate (186-3).

Willesborough (104) went down by the same margin against Hawkinge (106-3) in 1B East. Mark Kokkinos hit 76 not out as 1C East leaders Tenterden 3rds (163-6) won by four wickets at Ash (162-8).

Stuart Graham made 110 as Stowting won by 73 runs at Deal Vics in 2B East. Chasing 205-9, the hosts were out for 132.