Kai hits century as cricket finally returns

Minster were one of many recreational cricket clubs back in action at the weekend.

Kai Appleby was certainly enjoying the moment, hitting 100 for Minster before retiring not out against Upchurch.

The ambitious Kent Cricket League side from the Isle of Sheppey beat their Swale rivals by five wickets, scoring 303-5 and then bowling the visitors out for 191.

James Thompson scored 92 while Michael Hales hit a halfcentury for the visitors. Tunbridge Wells had an intrasquad match at the Nevill Ground in what turned out to be a closely-fought contest. The ‘1st XI’ (251-6) won by just six runs as the ‘2nd XI’ (245-8) came close to a successful run chase. Cameron Coles (48) top scored for the 1sts but it was Julian O’Riordan who led the way for the 2nds, scoring 76 not out off 84 balls.

Canterbury took on Folkestone at Polo Farm and it was the visitors who went home victorious, winning by seven wickets after chasing down 139-6.

Opening batsmen for each side scored centuries when Canterbury 2nds visited Street End.

Aaron Hopkins hit a six and 19 fours in his 115 for Canterbury who totalled 212. Paul Aston took 3-12. Paul Betts then led Street End to a two-wicket victory with an unbeaten

109. Tom Chambers and Tom Williams each made 26.

Before the opening of the cricket season at Harbledown, both teams stood in silent tribute to the memory of Margaret Ansted, who died in the Spring.

Her late husband Don, a former president, umpire and player, died 14 years ago. His widow was a keen supporter and also held office in the local netball league.

Harbledown won the match against Grenfell CC with Ed Solly scoring a century.

Kent Cricket’s director of community cricket Andy Griffiths said: “It was wonderful to see so many clubs back playing, adhering to ECB guidelines at the weekend.

“Everyone involved in recreational cricket in Kent has worked so hard in such a short space of time to secure a return to cricket in a safe environment.

“As a game, we are fortunate to be the first international team sport back, in spite of the challenges of the COVID19 pandemic and now the first recreational team sport to take the field.

“Cricket is more than just getting a result. It’s being with your friends and having that time to catch up and exchange in plenty of banter – all very healthy for the mind.”

Kent’s Zak Crawley (above) made a Test-best 76 in the first Test against West Indies at Southampton. England lost by four wickets with county team-mate Joe Denly making 18 and 29 in the defeat.