After a successful weekend of the beer festival and World Cup, Monday saw the Vine welcome Lloyds of London in a 40 over fixture. Having won the toss, the Vine posted 203-8, with Luke Schlemmer the star with the bat hitting 55. However, it was never to be enough runs as an experienced and talented Lloyds of London batting line up knocked off the runs only three wickets down and with plenty of overs to spare.
Tuesday saw a thrilling encounter between a young Vine side against the Association of Kent Cricket Clubs (AKCC). Captain Semmens led the way for the AKCC as they batted first on a good looking Vine wicket, scoring 64 and taking the AKCC to a respectable total of 247-9 off their 40 overs.
The Vine chase started in undesirable fashion, losing five quick wickets for just 60 runs. James Carslaw and Harry Robinson (75) steadied the Vine innings, with Robinson hitting some enormous shots over the marquee. Charlie Williams chipped in with 45 as did Olly Chessell with 20, before losing their wickets. Reid-Dick and Scott would finish off the job to win the game by one wicket.
In the evening, the Old Oaks faced the might of Holmesdale in the Clark Trophy final. Having posted a large total of 177 off their 15 overs, including 50 from Edward Bonner, Holmesdale successfully retained their title by limiting the Old Oaks to 140 thanks to some sumptuous cover drives by Tiley for six on numerous occasions.
Wednesday saw yet another enthralling encounter between the Vine and the MCC in a declaration game. With wickets shared around between the Robinson twins, Thompson, Reid-Dick and Proctor, the Vine managed to limit the MCC to 296-8 declared off just under 50 overs.
After a cracking start led from the front by Cowdrey and J. White at 53-0 off little over 7 overs, the Vine endured a quick collapse falling to 53-3 losing Cowdrey, White and Thompson within two overs. Richardson and Barber entered the frame, and looked unfazed from ball one. Both played with maturity and skill, bringing up their fifties.
Both batsman would go on to convert their starts into hundreds, with Barber finishing not out alongside captain Schlemmer to complete a six wicket victory over the MCC.
Thursday played host to ‘Challenge the Legends’. In a T20 fixture in the afternoon, a Legends team composed of former Ashes winner and England international Matthew Hoggard took on a mixed team of 16-18 year olds drawn from Chance to Shine’s national Street Chance programme and local schools. Two of the teenagers managed to score fifty in setting 135, however, the Legends managed to chase down the score with ease in a very successful day.
Finally, on Friday, the annual 6 a side tournament was held on the Vine. Group A consisted of the Sevenoaks Vine Badgers, Old Tonbridgians and Holmesdale. Old Tonbridgians would emerge from the group unbeaten where they would face Leeds and Broomfield in the final who beat the Sevenoaks Vine Ultras and The Mote.
With the Vine Badgers avoiding the Wooden Spoon by beating The Mote, and Holmesdale overcoming the experience of the Vine Ultras to finish third place, the stage was set for Old Tonbridgians whose class shone with the bat.
Having set a mammoth 81 off their five overs, Leeds and Broomfield struggled to chase down the total leaving Old Tonbridgians as winners and retaining their title for the fourth year in a row.
After a fantastic week of cricket, great thanks must be given to the organising committee of the Vine who without such a great event could not take place.
