Match Report

Playing top of the table Walmer, Rodmersham lost the toss and were predictably asked to bat first on a damp pitch. With the exception of Stewart Andrews (32), the first 6 batsmen struggled against the Walmer attack and were reduced to 68 for 5 after 25 overs. A low score and heavy defeat were very much in prospect when Dale Pout, batting in the unusually low position of seven, lead a superb fight back with the tail enders. Together they raised the score to 199 for 9, scoring 131 runs from the last 25 overs showing the top order batsmen what might have been. Best bowler for Walmer was G Line (3 for 20 from 8 overs)

Walmer scored at the required run rate of 4 per over from the start of their innings, the only bowler causing them real concern being Chris Whitehead (1 for 66 in 23 overs). At 141 for 1, Walmer suffered a minor collapse to 142 for 4. Neil Barton who had bowled somewhat erratically, conceding 30 runs from his first 4 overs, suddenly found a good line and length and took 2 wkts for 4 runs in his next 2 overs. He was then removed from the attack and Walmer never looked back, cruising to a 6 wkt victory in the 47th over. Batting honours went to A Birkett (83) and S Butler (41).