2s fall short at Eynsford

Report by Dan Skinner

Following a run of wins, this fixture away at Eynstord was always going to be a tough ask without our skipper and brigade of wily old foxes. The situation was not helped by the wrong postcode being supplied meaning we started the game with only 9.

The scenic ground by the river was baking in a summer heatwave and the pitch was good.

Our bowlers struggled against a very strong batting line up, taking only two wickets as the opposition amassed 257. Young Harry Slevin bowled five overs and proved economical. Highlight of the innings was an outstanding fielding performance by Steve Spain.

Chasing such a big target was always going to be a tough ask and it did not start well when skipper Dan Skinner turned a full toss straight to square leg second ball of the innings. Similar disasters followed in quick succession. Whilst the home batting line up had been very strong, their bowling attack was not. However our top order chipped several easy catches straight to fielders.

When the 8th wicket fell with only 79 on the board it looked like we would be finishing very early. However Ben Lush played with real aggression including hitting two sixes out of the ground through extra cover. He and Jack Feehan put on 59 in rapid order before Ben holed out on the boundary for 45. Last man John Savage came in and ably supported Jack Feehan who struck an outstanding 65 not including going to his half century with a six onto the roof of the pavilion. The final pair put on a swift 57 and we ended up with an unexpectedly creditable 192.

Next week sees a "home" match at Hollingbourne as the Green hosts the annual village fayre.