Bowlers wrap up big victory

2nd XIS

Whitstable 2nds enjoyed a 187-run win against Orpington in the 2nd XI Premier Division. Robert Strike and Ben Rutherford each passed 80 as the visitors piled on 266-4 from 40 overs before skittling their hosts for just 79 in 26 overs. Ben Mills took 3-20 and Harry Bee 3-28. In Division 1, Canterbury 2nds edged to a dramatic seven-run win at home to The Mote. Greg Holland scored 85 and Simon Smith 64 as the city club posted 222 and three wickets each for Sam Curd and Robert Marsh ensured the visitors were bowled out for 215 in the final over. Alistair Dunn’s 34 was as good as it got for St Lawrence & Highland Court 2nds in their home defeat to Upchurch in Division 2. The hosts were dismissed for 125 and it took Upchurch less than 23 overs to ease home by six wickets. Faversham 2nds were swept aside against Bexley 4ths in a low-scoring affair in Division 4. Just two players scored more than seven runs as the hosts were restricted to 93-7 from 46 overs and although Benedict Croft claimed 3-35 in reply, the visitors eased home in 25 overs with five wickets in hand.

Picture: Phil Lee FM4473748 Canterbury’s Graeme Francis reverse sweeps, watched by The Mote keeper Alex Fordham