Frustrated Bourne denied by weather

Kent Regional League

Rain heavily disrupted the Kent Regional League programme on Saturday with only a handful of matches being played to a conclusion. Littlebourne could probably count themselves as the unluckiest side being just 13 runs short of victory when their crucial home match with Cobham was abandoned. The Championship East leaders restricted their opponents – and nearest title rivals – to 86-8 from 35 overs with Graham Gould returning figures of 4-32 in nine overs. Jack Parr took 2-16 from nine and Josh Gould 2-18 from eight and Buzz Gould’s typically bold 34 helped push them to 74-3 in 13.5 overs when the rain came. Bourne remain top, six points clear of Cobham with five games remaining. Ash’s home match with Boughton & Eastwell was abandoned without a ball being bowled. Only 27 overs were possible in Sheldwich’s match against Sherwood in 1A Central with the home side reaching 128-7 from 25 overs, led by Dan Ray’s 53. Sherwood were 13-0 from two overs in reply when the match was called off. Canterbury 3rds had Wye 77-5 from 15 overs in 1A East when the weather intervened. Promotion-chasing Sturry had a day to forget in 1B East, being dimissed for just 56 by title rivals Hawkinge at Cherry Orchard, Herne. Shane Busby (16) was one of only three players to reach double figures. Hawkinge then eased home, for the loss of one wicket, in 10.2 overs and now head the table,12 points clear of Sturry. Ash 2nds were handed a walkover by Boughton & Eastwell 2nds in 1C East, while the games involving Grasmere Park and Exiles at Stelling Mnnis were both cut short. Park were 126-2 from 33.3 overs (Aaron Ferris 42 not out) against Tenterden 3rds, while Exiles had Nelson 2nds 62-2 from 20 when rain forced the players off. Betteshanger 2nds were 83-1 from 20 overs against Littlebourne 2nds when their match in 2A East was abandoned. Whitstable 3rds conceded their game in 2B East against Margate 2nds while Street End received a walkover against Deal Victoria & Barns Close 2nds.

Picture: Gary Browne FM4416656 Graham Gould took 4-32 for Littlebourne against Cobham