Relegation battle set to go down to the wire

Division 4

Walmer’s survival hopes were given a boost after beating Rainham. A four-wicket victory at Hull Park saw them climb off the bottom and out of the relegation places.

They’ve got games against relegation rivals Addington Village (this Saturday) and High Halstow before the season finishes.

Rainham were bowled out for 203 at the weekend. Graeme North picked up 4-49 as well as taking two catches, one to remove Rainham’s top scorer James Ward (52) off the bowling of Alex Hinkins (2-38).

Openers Andy Birkett (69) and

Liam Milroy (17) got Walmer’s run chase off to a solid start and Thomas Mitchell (54 not out) was there to guide them home with seven balls remaining. Bapchild are now bottom after their defeat to fellow strugglers High Halstow.

The second-wicket partnership between Andrew Maurice (68) and Christoper Maurice (74) put

High Halstow in a good position, eventually posting Bapchild a target of 230 to chase.

In reply, Bapchild opener Adam Larking scored 49 but the rest of the top order failed to make an impact. Jamie Kingsbrook took 3-20 as they were bowled out for 170.

There was a battle for honours at the top end, with Kings Hill coming out on top against Staplehurst. Both teams are vying for promotion but Kings Hill clinched the victory comfortably, winning by 114 runs. Kings Hill opener Neil Scott top scored with 69 and they were also aided by a hefty 40 extras.

Ian Playfoot (3-31) and Rhys Morgan (3-26) both helped skittle Staplehurst out for 115.

Staplehurst are now 20 points adrift of second-placed Frindsbury, who took maximum points from their game against Addington Village. Sean Holbrook was 60 not out for Frindsbury as they posted 159-8 off 50 overs and that proved more than enough, as the Villagers were bowled out for just 66.

Chris Mumford took 4-25 and Dave Coyle returned figures of 3-24 for Frindsbury. KENT CRICKET LEAGUE 1st XI Premier Division

P W Beckenham .............. 15 10 Bexley ...................... 15 9 Tunbridge Wells........ 15 8 Sevenoaks Vine ........ 15 8 Bickley Park.............. 15 7 Sandwich.................. 15 7 Lordswood................ 15 7 Blackheath ............... 15 5 Canterbury................ 15 4 HSBC........................ 15 2

Division 1

Bromley.................... 15 Holmesdale............... 15 Folkestone ................ 15 Bromley Common ..... 15

Hayes ....................... 15 St Lawrence ............. 15

Linden Park .............. 15 Tenterden ................. 15 Upchurch.................. 15 Broadstairs ............... 15

Division 2

Minster ..................... 15

Sidcup ...................... 15

Ashford Town ........... 15 OD CUACO ................ 16

The Mote .................. 15 Dartford .................... 16 Chestfield ................. 15

Old Wilsonians .......... 15 Orpington.................. 15 11 11 9 8 7 5 6 4 2 3

12 9 8 7 7 7 5 5 4

Pt 213 198 185 185 168 166 164 132 120 78

230 221 197 187 173 165 159 122 114 106

240 198 179 174 174 173 146 132 115

Division 3

Nonington................. 15 Harvel....................... 15 Bexleyheath.............. 15 Gravesend ................ 15 Leeds & Broomfield .. 15 Cowdrey ................... 15 Catford Wanderers.... 15 Tonbridge ................. 15 Catford & Cyphers..... 15 Gore Court ................ 15

Division 4

Kings Hill .................. 15 Frindsbury ................ 15 Staplehurst ............... 15 Old Colfeians ............ 15 Rainham ................... 15 Downham & B........... 15 High Halstow ............ 15 Walmer..................... 15 Addington Village ...... 15 Bapchild ................... 15

Division 5

Bromley Town........... 15 Littlebourne .............. 15 The Roebucks........... 15 Rodmersham ............ 15 Bexley ...................... 15 Faversham................ 15 Offham ..................... 15 Hartley Country Club . 15 Chislehurst & WK...... 15 Betteshanger ............ 15 0

11 9 9 8 7 6 6 5 4 0

12 11 10 10 8 5 3 3 3 2

12 10 10 8 5 5 4 3 2 3 42

219 204 195 173 173 170 159 140 133 45

233 226 206 204 180 135 121 114 113 105

243 213 207 188 148 135 133 122 108 101