Cowdrey 242-8 beat Catford Wanderers 186 by 56 runs
TOP-of-the-table Cowdrey earned a vital win at title rivals Catford Wanderers, who are in third place in Kent League Division Four.
The victory was all the more impressive because it was achieved without the services of their Australian run machine Ashley Borella.
The Cowdrey captain Anthony Mills lost the toss once more and the visitors were surprised when they were invited to bat by the Wanderers skipper Ewart Thompson.
After a couple of early wickets fell to Catford’s star player, Shavawn Cunningham (3 for 36), a recovery was started by Ryan Addison and the recalled Jack Southwart.
The pair looked in no trouble as they put on 66 for the third wicket but then opener Southwart was removed for an excellent 50 including seven boundaries.
Addison then proceeded to take apart the spin bowling of Navin Panwar and Dinujan Nesanathan, dispatching them over the pavilion and into the adjourning tennis courts.
Having raced to 75 in quick time the all-rounder then holed out on the boundary with his innings including five fours and six sixes.
His departure led to a change of momentum as four wickets fell for the addition of 28 runs.
However, Stuart Clarke (41) worked well with the tail to ensure a defiant total of 242 for 8 was posted.
With a flat wicket and fast outfield it was imperative that Cunningham was removed early and the dependable Chris Fenwick soon trapped him LBW with a late inswinger.
But Vishaal Patel (41) and Prabu Sathanathan (40) ensured the visitors’ bowling attack were made to toil away and took the total up towards three figures.
The introduction of Addison saw his extra pace remove the dangerous Patel, whereupon the home side produced some calamitous running, both Addison and Nick Farr pulling off run-outs.
Addison then pushed home the advantage to finishing with outstanding figures of 3 for 15 from his seven overs.
Farr (2 for 32) was reintroduced and took two quick wickets, and though the wail wagged he rounded off proceedings with another run-out as Catford closed on 186 in the 42nd over.
With local rivals Tonbridge losing to Rainham, the lead at the top of Kent League Division Four has increased to a substantial 34 points.
With Borella back in the fold, Cowdrey will now travel to face Old Colfeians on Saturday [July 21].
PICTURE: BEYOND THE BOUNDARY: Man of the match Ryan Addison
