The battle for promotion back to the Kent Cricket League Premier Division swung in Holmesdale’s favour on Saturday afternoon after a convincing seven wicket win over Sevenoaks Vine.
The two sides have been competing over the promotional spot all season and the latest match in their long rivalry saw Holmesdale take all 18 points to move above with just one game to go.
Harry Bevan-Thomas (69) and Harry Houillon (61) added to Sevenoaks’ run score after openers John Bowden (28) and Evert Bekker (44) got the team off to a fine start. However captain Luke Schlemmer was bowled magnificently by Holmesdale’s Rupert Harbig for a golden duck. Harbig finished with three wickets for 56 runs, whilst Ollie Chaplin recorded two wickets for just 20 runs. Sevenoaks finished their innings on 243 all out.
Holmesdale started their innings very slowly with Dom May going for zero off five balls, Tom Richards taking the all important first wicket. But then Will McDowell (75) and Leo Carter (57) both added fine scores before both falling to the bowling of Schlemmer (2/34).
William Harby (60*) and and Antony Bissett (39*) then came to the crease and saw out the match with 17 overs to spare.
This week Holmesdale will host Dartford whilst Sevenoaks Vine travel to The Mote in Maidstone for the final day of the season. A win for Holmesdale will see them return to the top level of Kent cricket just 12 months after being relegated, and Sevenoaks Vine will be hoping for their rivals to slip up and try to maximise their points.
