Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Erasmus fires
Kent League
St Lawrence & Highland Court captain Will Hilton hailed the continued effort of bowler Armand Erasmus as he fired his side to a three-wicket victory that sent them top of Division 2.
Erasmus took 7-42 to restrict Hythe to 122 all out in 38 overs, which gave the new leaders enough time to secure the win before the rain came.
Hilton praised Erasmus – who celebrated his birthday a day earlier – by saying: “He was good and did what he has been doing all season, bowling in the right areas. He was ably supported by Guy Hilton (3-29).”
Bat t ing second, Lewi s Jenkins scored an unbeaten 62 – supported by Kit Sims (28) – to see his side over the line as they recovered from 43-5.
Hilton added: “Yes, I was worried (at 43-5) but Lewis had time and experience, which shone through. We always say we want a good partnership for these sort of chases.”
Saints took full advantage of the weather conditions that prevented all other fixtures in the league from ending in a result by overtaking Holmesdale at the top.
The skipper said: “It was pleasing bearing in mind the other results in the league and going top is always a bonus.”
The rain prevented Whitstable from converting their 260-7 into a winning total at Dartford but they are just a point off of the promotion places after every game in Division 1 was incomplete last weekend.
They reached that total thanks to wicketkeeper Kai Appleby’s unbeaten 80, while Buzz Gould (48) and Harry Bea (49) also made telling contributions.
Whitstable captain Gould was pleased with the performance of his side and the start they made to the game, as well as Appleby’s contribution.
He said: “We started off well at 70-0 and we collapsed a bit but they did bowl well in conditions that were friendly for both sides.
“Kai showed great experience. He showed glimpses of what he can do with 40 away at The Mote and has always had huge talent. He’s starting to really score runs for us.”
The start of the match was delayed by rain, which also cut the match short.
However, Gould was confident of securing the win, had it not been for the weather.
He added: “The bowlers were set-up and ready to get another 20 points.
“Hopefully, we can keep pushing on the way we have been. We are starting to show our talent with good results.”
Canterbury captain Max Campbell took five wickets at home to Linden Park to restrict them to 208-9 but the rain ended the hosts’ run chase at 101-3 after 24 overs.
The skipper claimed figures of 6-57 but it didn’t prove to be a match-winning performance due to the weather.
As a result, Canterbury remain just two points above secondbottom Bromley Common, who they travel to play this weekend.
In one of the few games to survive the weather, Faversham lost away to Harvel by five wickets in Division 4.
Having won the toss and choosing to bat, the visitors were dismissed for just 180 despite strong resistance from captain Chris Smith (74 not out).
Andrew Machin’s figures of 3-36 were not enough to provide Faversham with their first league victory.
The weather cost Chestfield the chance to close the gap on leaders Ashford Town in a top-of-the-table clash in Division 3.
Tailender Arron Bennett (37) top scored for the home side and former Kent bowler Martin