Benenden

Match Report

A young Straggler side again found form with the bat at Benenden, with Bertie Berger, riding his luck, dropped in the teens, and making full use of the top edge, carrying his bat for an undefeated 130. A number of roof tiles were damaged at long off, when he found the middle of the bat in the latter stages. He was ably supported by Matt Smallwood, also undefeated on 67 at the declaration on 257 for 3. Their partnership of 169 is a Straggler record for the 4th wicket.

In spite of a pitch of variable bounce, and occasionally spitting off a length, the Straggler attack was only able to pick up one early wicket, and a long second wicket stand became increasingly ominous. However, the timely introduction of Mark Russell Vick broke the partnership, and wickets then began to fall, including Al Smallwood’s first for the Stragglers. However, it was too little too late, and Beneden held on for the draw at 199 for 7.