Hardy’s haul helps secure surprise win

2nd XIS

Whitstable 2nds enchanced their chances of avoiding relegation from the 2nd XI Premier Division by pulling off a surprise win over leaders Dartford 2nds on Saturday.

The visitors scored 197-7 (Elliot Lewis 68) at Hesketh Park and then skittled their hosts for just 73, led by Duncan Hardy (4-5 in 5.3 overs), Stuart Clements (2-9 in 10) and Scott Dale (2-21 in eight).

The win – Whitstable’s second in a row – lifted them out of the bottom two and they now have a seven-point cushion over Bromley.

Canterbury 2nds were involved a tense climax to their Division 1 game against Bickley Park 2nds, finishing just three runs short of victory with two wickets left.

The top three of Ben Line (68), William Beck (50) and Luke Harris (40) led their pursuit of Bickley’s 234-7. They closed on 232-8.

Best with the ball for the visitors were Damian Minter (2-27 from 12 overs) and Danny Harrison (2-30 off six).

St Lawrence 2nds lost by six wickets to HSBC 2nds in Division 2 after being dismissed for 140. Kit Sims hit 29 and Tom Shaw 28.

Chestfield 2nds were bowled out for 133 on their way to defeat against Harvel 2nds in Division 4.

Tom Barton (34) and Brian Moody-smith (20), batting at No.9, were their top scorers but after losing both openers cheaply, Harvel eased home by six wickets in 24 overs.

Rock bottom Faversham, playing two short away to Minster 2nds, were skittled in 17.1 overs for 52, with opener Lewis Gore (20) and Shia Mahameed (11) the only players to reach double figures.

Minster needed just 10.1 overs to chase down their modest target, losing one wicket in the process. The Grasmere Park youngsters who finished third in the Kwik cricket tournament at St Lawrence and Highland Court