10 men secure first win of the season

Withyham won the toss and decided to bat against, what looked on paper, a weakened 2nd XI. Captain Tim Croom had been called up to the 1st XI and the team only had 10 players. Of the 10 players, only 4 were 'recognised' bowlers, with only Jack Feehan and Steve Horrocks having bowled any significant amount of overs this season.

Feehan opened the bowling in his usual consistent style, going for only 3 runs from his first 3 overs, whilst Pearce from the other end, bowled erratically. Feehan struck early but Berry and Saxty moved the score to 51-1 in just 12 overs. At this point Berrry was bowled by Pearce and wickets fell at regular intervals after. Pearce, Filmer and Horrocks picked up 2 wickets apiece and there were also wickets for new boy Olly Clements (1-4) and first time bowler Dan Skinner (1-9). The last wicket fell at 130 (a run out by Dan Skinner) to leave Horrocks with impressive figures of 2-10 from 6.1 overs.

The Bearsted reply was started in quick fashion by Dan Skinner and Chris Filmer, the pair putting on 44 for the first wicket in just 7 overs. Two quick wickets fell and it looked like there could be the customary Bearsted collapse. Filmer and Pearce steadied the ship before Filmer was harshly adjudged LBW for 42 with the score 79-3. Bearsted lost only one more wicket, that of debutant James Beck, in reaching the 131 target, Steve Horrocks hitting a quickfire 13, whilst stand in skipper Pearce ended not out 46.

It was good for the team to get a win and they now sit third in the table. With more availability the team can push on to try and achieve promotion. The players are there it just needs consistency of availability and selection.