Lush century

With The Green looking in perfect condition, the skipper dispelled rumours he was a useless tosser by winning the first toss of the season, and electing to bat.

In a complete contrast to the damp conditions at Hadlow the previous week, the pitch offered pace and bounce, and with a fast outfield, the Bearsted opening pair of Tim Croom and Tim Lush made a confident start. They had put on an untroubled 86 before Tim Croom (55) was first out, missing a slow full toss and rightly adjudged LBW. Simon Barker (3) came and went quickly before Chris Filmer (65) joined a Tim Lush in a 111 partnership for the 3rd wicket.

John Haggart (25*) was next in, and was subjected to running far more 2s than he would have liked. At the other end, Tim Lush (104*) compiled a chanceless century, which he reached in the 40th over. Bearsted closed at 263/3.

After an excellent tea provided by Rosemary Pearce, Jack Feehan and Ben Lush took the new ball. Ben Lush struck early on but it proved not to be an easy day for bowlers.

With the required rate rising, Steve Horrocks (3-55) made the next breakthrough.

However, this only served to bring in the oppositions hard hitting number 4, who provided a few nervy overs as Luddesdowne proceeded to keep up with their required 10 an over.

The returning Ben Lush (4-40) made the game safe for Bearsted by taking 3 wickets in an over, although he wasn’t able to convert a hat trick opportunity, or get a 5th wicket to cap an excellent spell.

On a good batting track, all the bowlers worked hard with young Harry Slevin (0-28) and the less young Mike Redman (0-53) completing the Bearsted attack. Redman in particular seemed to relish his 9 overs unchanged, up the hill.

The win sees Bearsted stay 4th in the table, within striking distance of the top of the table and for automatic promotion places. Next week sees a trip to Cudham Wyse 3s.