Sevenoaks Vine transformed into a sea of pink on Sunday as the six remaining teams competed for silverware in this year’s Smash Finals.
First to start the day was the not so little Smash Bowl competition between Kings Hill and Sevenoaks RFC. With the rugby club winning the toss and electing to bat, the opening partnership of Charlie Galligan (38) and Dominic Saunders (37) did not disappoint their supporters, as they grew a healthy run tally of 86 before the loss of their first wicket.
Max Lindsay (34) then held steady as the wickets fell before Jack Curniw (20) added more runs to their eventual total of 162/7 off their 100 balls.
Kings Hill opener Jack Doyle hit a marvelous 55 runs off 22 balls, whilst Charlie Barnard (14), Zain Ali (29), and Owen Harrison (10) all chipped in. Ian McLean (41) then stepped in to finish off the game and gain the title for Kings Hill.
Next up was the turn of Gravesend Bat & Ball Strikers who faced last year’s Plate winners Bromley Town Titans.
Rhys Fowler (31), started well for Gravesend before wonderful knocks from Matthew Bailey (82) and Samuel Pannell (40) placed the club on a tremendous score of 166/4. Bromley Town responded swiftly with their opening partnership of Josh Neill (55) and Adam Dicker (20), reducing the deficit to 87 runs after the first 52 balls.
However, despite a courageous effort from Henry Smith (42), it was to be Gravesend’s day in the spotlight as they were crowned the Plate winners for 2024.
And so, to the centre-piece of the day’s event, the Smash Cup competition, which this year saw Tunbridge Wells Royals take on Barnet Wood Bashers. The Royals won the toss and elected to field, putting pressure on their opponent’s batsman from the start.
Gareth Severin (48) and James Bamber (53) weren’t bothered though and hit 90 runs before the halfway point. Tom Gallagher (18) and Rory Low (30) added to Tunbridge Wells’ final run chase of 175.
Some will say it was never in doubt, as Tunbridge Wells lost just two wickets in their innings. Opener Sahil Shah took the plaudits after recording a wonderful knock of 107 not out from just 41 balls. He was helped by his mates Ben Dawkins (39), Sam Smith (24) and Kane Horwell (5*).
A wonderful achievement for the club, and a day to remember for all involved. Your 2024 Smash Cup winners are Tunbridge Wells Royals.
Congratulations to all the winners and runners-up who took part on the day. We’re looking forward to next year’s 100-ball instalment already!
