Kentish Express Ashford & District
Batsmen make strong start
Dan Coulson started the season in fine style with an unbeaten century for Mersham Sports only for rain to prove the only winner with the opening Premier Division game against Shooters Hill abandoned as a draw.
Coulson hit 19 fours in his unbeaten 116 – his first league ton – while Kyle McAllister made 90, both batsmen dominating the innings as Mersham totalled an impressive 283-4 in 46 overs.
They reduced the south London visitors to 69-4 before the game was halted, new skipper Matt Fagg taking 3-18.
Fagg has succeeded Darren Pugh who stepped down at the end of last season, after leading the club back to the top flight for the first time since 2011.
He said: “We played well but are not sure of the strength of other sides this season.
“The last time we came up, we came straight down but are hopeful of staying up this time and finishing in the top half.”
McAllister hit 12 fours and scored his runs out in a total of 195.
Fellow opener David Harman went for 12 and Abhi Pandha made 22.
Fagg went three runs later, before Paul Stoner-Lewis joined Coulson, playing second fiddle in an unbeaten stand of 85.
Fagg added: “Kyle always bats positively and enjoys playing at home, while Dan’s innings included some clean hitting and good running between the wickets.”
Kennington reached 80-2 in their opening Division 1 A East game at Boughton & Eastwell, before the weather intervened.
Stuart Lancaster hit 37 not out and James Iles 33.
Meanwhile, Boughton & Eastwell officials say the club’s ground has “healed” well after vandals caused damage to the square and outfield before Christmas.
Spokesman Andy Carney said: “Club members have worked tirelessly over the last few months and their efforts are starting to pay off.
“We have also received some good and much welcome advice from pitch experts at the Kent Groundsman’s Association and we are ready for another busy year fielding seven teams in senior and junior cricket.”