Chairman's Blog

Benny Smallwood salvaged family honour at Benenden and recorded an unusual Stragler record – undefeated in his first two seasons. Other Smallwoods, fresh from piling on the runs at Tenterden, had come and gone, with the job of posting a total left, initially at least, to the Master Brewer (76) and Goose (41). Jonathan eschewed running (no doubt protecting his dodgy ankle) reaching 48 in boundaries. The wheels came off after the second wicket partnership of 117, with four wickets in four maidens on 138. Order was restored by Finn Hulbert (50) and Harry Pattinson (31), and, when Benny was last man standing, an entirely respectable 238 had been posted. Benenden wilted against the Steyn like pace of Finn, and only the final wicket pair, with a stand of 47, put up any real resistance. Time was against them, and it was all over at 160.