The First XI visited newly promoted Bromley Common off the back of a strong victory against Tenterden. They were put into the field by the home side who made an assured start to the first innings, reaching 144 before losing captain Leigh Walker, their third wicket to fall. This triggered somewhat of a Vine comeback, restricting the hosts to 186-7, however Bromley common rallied and ended up on 242. This was probably a par score on a good wicket and the pick of the batsman was Toby Finzel who was crucial to the hosts innings with 121. Bowling wise, Tom Parsons took 3 wickets and Luke Schlemmer 2.
The Vine response did not start as it had been doing so far this season, with the early loss of John Bowden. When Evert Bekker fell for 22, they were 36-2. Captain Oliver Durell and Schlemmer steadied the ship however, getting the Vine to 107 before Durell fell for a hard worked 32. This brought Michael Barber to the crease who played a fine supporting innings to the outstanding Schlemmer, who batted through to the end for 106 not out. Barber ended up 46 not out and the Vine reached their target for the loss of 3 wickets in 47.4 overs.
This was a pleasing performance from the Vine who have not always chased well. They are still a young side and this was an excellent sign of a side who are maturing as the season progresses. They had to work hard for their runs against an enthusiastic bowling attack and the middle order showed excellent patience, rarely taking risks.
The Vine visit Beckenham next weekend in a bid to make it three wins in a row.
Sevenoaks Vine 2nd (243 all out) beat Whitstable 2nd (183 all out)
The Vine welcomed Whitstable on a typical Sennockian summer’s day, without a cloud in the sky and a batsman friendly wicket, Vine won the toss and elected to bat with openers Thompson and Quinney making significant blows to the Whitstable attack. The Vine lost Thompson followed by Aitken in quick succession with Quinney (45) and Anderson (25) forming a solid partnership making full use of the bad deliveries. Elliott and Page batted fluently making 21 and 25 respectively until both fell to Whitstable’s off-spinner in sucessive overs. This brought both Robinson brothers to the crease who looked to rebuild the Vine’s total above 200 and beyond. With the help of the lower order, skipper P Robinson managed 52* until the innings was brought to a close at 243 all out at the half way point.
Christie and H Robinson opened up the bowling with the former bowling his best spell in a Vine shirt so far since joining the club, however was incredibly unlucky not to take any wickets on this occasion. On a flat second innings wicket, the Vine spinners were to be influential in defending the score. Thompson (2-15), Reid-Dick (1-38) and Aitken (4-42) supported by all fielders in an almost perfect fielding display by the Vine. A pleasing win to the Vine who have admittedly underperformed in the first few fixtures who will look to build momentum as we welcome struggling side Beckenham at home next weekend.
Sevenoaks Vine 3rd (153 all out) lose to Old Williamsonians 2nd (174-3)
The Vine 3rd’s welcomed bottom of the table Old Williamsonians to the Orchard this week and they were clearly determined to chalk up their first win.
The Vine won the toss and inserted Old Williamsonians’ openers King and Filmer who’s unorthodox use of his leading edge instead of the middle set an unusual field of close catchers from slip to cover. Cooper – Fogarty (10 overs 0 for 14) bowled with no luck ,indeed Filmer had it all. Vine’s other opening bowler Gavin hit his leg stump yet the bails failed to be dislodged and they both made it to drinks somehow with 59 on the board for no loss.
Old Williamsonians’ determination became clearly evident as decisions requiring the umpire to adjudicate against his own team were not forthcoming; an obvious stumping off Tudor was turned down as well as King being hit directly in front by Martin to a slower short ball on its way to hit the base of middle only to be told that it would have cleared the stumps.
The Vine’s aged team let a few runs go in the field but stuck to their task until colt Ben Harvey removed King bowled for 67 having used all his luck up, clearly the only way to get a wicket. Old Williamsonian’s posted 174 with Khan making 47 through a few bunts and taking on Gavin as he came back at the death.
The Vine’s chase started with the early loss of Sam Harvey bowled by Bage and in came Martin who was struck on the right thumb early by Bage restricting his grip on his blade and thus his power in driving the ball hard. Martin managed to scratch to 39 before Bage bowled him also, at the back end of the innings. Unfortunately the average age of the Vine’s line up had risen this week due to several unavailabilities and it showed as runs were left out on the field as 2’s ended as 1’s and 3’s as 2’s; very few quick singles were taken and apart from a few lusty blows from Cooper – Fogarty, the innings fell slowly behind the run rate.
Old Williamsonian’s players were certainly keen on sniffing their first victory of the season appealing for LBW at any opportunity when the ball hit the pads, despite where it having pitched and the trajectory it having started on!
The Vine’s innings came to a close 21 runs short, a disappointing result considering all the experience and batting strength in the line-up. With availability low this week and a mighty fine effort one to get a full 11 on the field, the team did well to stick to the task in hand in the face of such adversity. Next week we hitch up our trailer and head off to Staplehurst.
