2s beat Four Elms

On a baking hot afternoon, the 2s entertained Four Elms on the green. The 2s players were all wearing black armbands as a mark of respect for Chris, a regular club supporter who passed away this week

For the second week running the skipper made his only meaningful contribution early on, by winning the toss, this time electing to bat. With no pace on the ball, batting wasn’t easy early on, with Tim Croom (1), Tom Mullins (9) and Tim Lush (9) the first wickets to fall.

Chris Filmer and Steve Pearce (22) steadied things before Pearce was bowled by one that kept a bit low. This brought Simon Barker to the crease for a partnership that changed the game. Barker looked in good touch from the start and quickly amassed 62 in a stand of 128 before he was the final wicket to fall.

Chris Filmer continued to score freely, making good use of the cut shot to reach a well deserved century, in front of a large contingent of family and friends. He went on to finish 119*, and with some excellent support from Leo Charlton (25*) the innings closed on 268/5.

After a tea provided by Morrisons, Ben Lush and Leo Charlton took the new ball. Facing a large total, the opening batsmen were not going to hang about and any deviation in line or length was punished. Charlton got the initial breakthrough via a catch at first slip, by Steve Horrocks.

Ian Gutteridge replaced Leo Charlton and his tighter line immediately paid dividends as he struck with his second ball. Gutteridge was his usual miserly self, going on to record figures of 2-19 in his 7 overs.

After reporting that all 2s players wore a black armband, it transpired that Ben Lush had forgotten to put his on until drinks. He justly went wicketless, but his adherence with common decency immediately paid off as he executed a runout straight after drinks - Simon Barker dealing well with the low throw.

Harry Slevin performed well again as change bowler, picking up three wickets. The highlight of the three was a fantastic one handed catch, moving to his left at second slip by Tim Lush.

Steve Horrocks picked up 1-5 from the bottom end, before Chris Filmer took the last wicket with some intimidatory bowling; a beamer striking the tailend batsmen who then fell to the follow-up yorker.

A good win leaves the 2s fourth in the table with 2 matches to play in the league season. Next week sees a trip to Horsmonden.