Another title for Artichoke

Bat & trap

The Artichoke A clinched their third Canterbury & District Men’s League, Premiership crown in six seasons by defeating Gentil Knyght C 2-1. Knyght took the first leg with Maty Watson hitting 32 and David Osullivan 17 not out but Choke went all out in the second leg, winning 98-32. Spencer Snow and Mark Goldup both hit 21 and David O’sullivan replied with 22 runs. The third leg ended 29-28, Mark Goldup clinching the six not out for the match and title. Dove Inn B secured the runners-up spot with a 2-1 win at Littlebourne Rec. Golden Lion A also won 2-1 away, at the Catholic Club, while Dover Castle lost 2-1 at home to the Golden Lion B. Division 1 leaders Smugglers B beat the Two Brothers 2-0 while Gentil Knyght B kept up the chase with a 2-0 victory over Market Inn A. Compasses beat Castle A 2-1. Three traps by Dan Lawrie helped Market Inn B to a 2-0 victory over the Black Pig, despite Dave Garrett’s 32-run haul and Wayne Catherall’s four traps. Faversham Town FC sealed the Division 2 title with victory over Evenhill Crusaders A. Castle B took the runnersup spot by winning 2-0 at the Red Lion A who were relegated to Division 3. Red Lion B are also relegated after losing 2-1 to the Kestrels. Shipwright Arms won 2-0 at home to Alma A. In Division 3, Evenhill Crusaders B lost 2-0 to Golden Lion C while Freewheel won 2-1 at the Two Brewers A. Huntsman and Horn were held to a draw at the Artichoke B. Virgil Parker hit 64 for the Horn, while Ian Rauch hit an impressive 52 in the second leg. The third leg was drawn 1-1 in the bowl out. White Horse were beaten 2-1 by Dove Inn A. In the Henry Court Cup semi-finals, Artichoke A beat Kestrels 2-0 and Gentil Knyght C join them in the final after beating Dover Castle 2-0. David O’sullivan hit 29 runs while team-mate Steve Budd hit his first hat-trick of traps in his 10-year playing career. In the Henry Court Plate semi-finals, Dove Inn B beat Freewheel 2-0 and The Dove Inn A won 2-1 against Two Brothers. The final will be held at the Dove on Monday. The Henry Court final is at the same day but at the Golden Lion.