Butterworth bags six to set up invaluable win

2nd XIS

John Butterworth produced a devastating spell to help bowl Whitstable 2nds to a 114-run win over Bexley 2nds in the 2nd XI Premier Division. The experienced slow bowler returned figures of 6-20 in eight overs as Bexley collapsed from 84-2 to 129 all out in reply to Whitstable’s 243-9. The home side had been 138-5 (Stuart Sinclair 47) at one stage before Aaron Garvey masterminded a recovery, helped by Todd Jordan (27). Whitstable remain in the bottom two but are just five points adrift of Bromley, with a game in hand. Canterbury 2nds struggled to keep the scoreboard ticking over in their Division 1 match against Holmesdale 2nds at Polo Farm. Second-wicket pair William Beck (44) and Bradley Goldsack (38 not out) contributed the bulk of their total as they laboured to 130-7 from 50 overs but Holmesdale got home by five wickets, in 39 overs. Rob Marsh took 2-19 from nine overs, with William Hadler taking 2-24 in four. The result left Canterbury in fifth spot. Nonington 2nds had their last pair at the crease when stumps were drawn in their Division 2 match away to St Lawrence and Highland Court 2nds. Replying to the home total of 231-9, Nonington reached 200-9 with No.9 Dan Mchugh unbeaten on 30. Skipper Adam Cork top scored with 48. Saints are third from bottom, just four points clear of nearest rivals Broadstairs. Brian Moody-smith took 5-47 in 14 overs for Chestfield 2nds but it was not enough to prevent defeat against leaders Rainham 2nds in Division 4. Led by Andy Parkinson’s undefeated 70, the visitors reached their target of 178 for the loss of six wickets in 38.5 overs. Opener Joseph Mitchell (56) had top scored in Chestfield’s 177 all out which also featured 26 from Daniel James and 23 from Tom Barton. Chestfield are now fourth. Opener Antony Hill’s 70 was the top score for Faversham 2nds as they totalled 208-8 against Blackheath Wanderers City of London 2nds in Division 5. Mark Cook added 39 and Jamie Ridgen 25 but the visitors reached their target in 39.3 overs, to triumph by five wickets. The result left Faversham bottom with just nine points.

Antony Hill hit 70 for Faversham 2nds