Dane steers Sidley to the top

Tunbridge Wells 4th XI  157 (39.1 overs) – 8 points
Sidley  159-4 for 8 (32.5 overs) – 30 points 

In this top of the table clash at the Sandhurst Recreation Ground, Sidley comfortably gained maximum points and pole position in Division 12 East, greatly aided by an innings of 70 n.o. from Dane Capon.

As is now almost to be expected, Josh Bull won the toss and opted to field first. Steve Ramsden took two quick wickets (2-28), and Cavan O'Connor (3-23), Neil Priddy (3-17) and Helen Harrod (1-35) continued to put pressure on the batsmen, reducing the visitors to 77-5. However, numbers 8 and 9 then rallied to add 58 runs. These, together with an alarming 34 extras conceded by Sidley, enabled Tunbridge Wells to post a reasonable total of 157. 

Openers Jamie Ramsden and Simon Newstead put on 22 before Jamie was caught (out for the first time in three matches) and Simon followed soon after. Neil Priddy, in his first game in three years, showed some good form by striking three boundaries confidently in his short innings. It was left to captain Josh Bull (39) and Dane Capon (70 n.o.) to steer Sidley home with a mixture of watchful defence and hard hitting against some accurate bowling. Dane's innings contained ten fours and two sixes, and Josh hit seven fours.
Although Tunbridge Wells fielded a slightly less strong side in this return match, it was, nevertheless, a business-like performance from an increasingly-confident Sidley team, who were grateful to qualified umpire Trevor Ramsden for officiating throughout the match and ensuring that correct decisions were made.

With 5 matches left, next Saturday Sidley travel to Brighton to play St. Peter's 4th XI who will certainly pose a threat to the new league leaders, despite them being 26-7 against Burwash Weald on Saturday!