Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeCRICKETSevenoaks Vine's left-handed start to the season is al-right!

Sevenoaks Vine’s left-handed start to the season is al-right!

Sevenoaks Vine travelled to Manor Way on Saturday for their opening Kent Premier League Match against Bexley Cricket Club. 

Overnight rain and further morning downpours resulted in a reduced 30 overs per side game. 

Vine skipper, and returning Kwa-Zulu Natal Captain, Luke Schlemmer lost the toss and the visitors were asked to make first use of a commendably bone dry wicket.

Recent acquisition from Tenterden, Chris Vernon accompanied Vine legend John Bowden and the two left handers began the season in watchful mood. Five runs from the first four overs suggested the pitch was anything but straight forward, but the duo steadily acclimatised and with that the run rate increased. 

With the score on 87, Bowden fell agonisingly short of a season opening half century when he mistimed the bowling of Shaun Evans. Vernon was joined by Kent star Adam Rouse but his stay was short lived and he perished at the hands of Left arm Spinner Fred Foster. 

Vernon’s debut was moving on quickly from decent to impressive! Joined by Mike Barber, he took control of the scoring and after passing 50, he showed real pedigree to move quickly towards a debut hundred. The Vine finished on an above par 211-5 with Vernon undefeated on 104. Barber weighed in with a useful  16 and Miles Richardson a breezy 15 to put the Vine in command at Tea.

Bexley began their attempt to chase down the Vine’s formidable target in aggressive fashion but regular wickets held them back and a real chase would never materialise. 

Richardson (2/40) removed danger man Basey early and the tone was set. 

An impressive 59 run win for the Vine and a very encouraging start to their Premier league campaign. 

The two left arm spinners were the pick of the Sevenoaks attack with skipper Schlemmer picking up 2/24 and his protégé Andrew Reid-Dick 2/28. 

Lordswood are the visitors to the Vine this Saturday with a 12pm start.

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