Trophy holders make early exit

Bat & trap

Charles Skam Cup holders Golden Lion A are out of this year’s competition after losing 2-1 at home to Division 1 side Compasses. The Lions were tamed despite five traps each by Dan Boden and Rick Eames and a 15 not out by skipper Andy Minter. Scores were 40-39, 27-28 and 52-53. In an all Premiership clash, Catholic Club beat Littlebourne Rec 2-1. Alan Casey top scored for the losers with 27 runs. Alan Hopkins hit 41 runs including 29 not out in the second leg as Artichoke A overcame White Horse 2-0. Spencer Snow hit 25 runs in the first leg for the Choke while Kevin Farmer knocked up 11 runs in reply. Golden Lion B had captain Andy Gough (22 runs) to thank for their 2-0 success at home to Market Inn A. Gentil Knyght C defeated fourtime winners and local rivals Gentil Knyght B 2-0 at their Kings Head home. The C team rattled up 65 in the first leg with Matty Watson (17) and Steven Hicks (15) top scoring. The B team started strongly with opening pair Steve Nolan (18) and Andy Wayre (24) helping them to 42-2 before two knockouts turned the contest. Ben Smith claimed six traps for the B team, with David O’sullivan and Steve Budd taking four each for the C team. Dove Inn B and Dover Castle had 2-0 home victories over Two Brewers A and Dove Inn A respectively. Mick O’connor hit 20 runs in a losing cause for Red Lion B as they lost 2-0 at home to Smugglers B for whom Tom Hibbert starred with 38 runs. Division 2 side Shipwright Arms beat Castle A 2-0 in their derby while Alma A and Faversham Town FC’S game was decided via a third leg bowl out in which the Town took the vital trap.