Match Report

An exceedingly slow outfield coupled with a dustbowl pitch ensured that runs would be hard to come by at Downham & Bellingham. Rodmersham struggled to 63 for 2 at the half way stage of their innings when they tried to pick up the pace in conditions not suited to conventional stroke play. The cause was not helped by two run outs as the last 8 wickets only yielded a further 66 runs. Chris Mendham(4 for 41) took the bowling honours.

Downham & Bellingham struggled hard to get runs from an accurate Rodmersham attack. At the halfway stage they were 50 for 2 and subsequently collapsed to 80 for 6 at which time Rodmersham were firm favourites to win. Gary Hopper(33*) and Stewart Barnes(21*) then threw caution to the wind and rode their luck. A mixture of good stroke play, mishit slogs and fortuitous edges saw their initiative earn a 4 wicket victory. Piet Botha gave an outstanding display of off spin bowling for Rodmersham taking 3 for 38 in 19.3 overs.