Hythe 149 lost to Cowdrey 150 for 5 by 5 wickets
TONBRIDGE’S Cowdrey Cricket Club are celebrating their 70th anniversary this season – and their winter recruitment could see them dominate Kent League Division Four.
Having finished fourth, equal on points with Addington, last year they are confident of pushing for promotion this time around.
They have acquired the services of Australian batsman Ashley Borella alongside seam bowler Thom Brown, who arrives from Bells Yew Green.
Both players showed their potential in a friendly against Sidcup, with Brown grabbing a five-wicket haul on debut and Borella producing a stunning knock in the nine-wicket victory.
The stylish left-hander will definitely be one to watch this summer at Swanmead. He made a brutal and unbeaten 112 off only 52 balls with 15 fours and six sixes.
Borella skippers North Albury, who reached their provincial grand final this winter, and he was their leading run-scorer for the third season in a row.
In the first league game he opened the innings with a commanding 65 including eight fours as Cowdrey beat Hythe by five wickets.
Hythe batted first and openers Tim Pichowski (62)and Jarryd Taig (32) made a steady start,
But Brown made the breakthrough, dismissing Taig thanks for a fine catch by Chris Fenwick.
The door was ajar now and Borella struck twice with his spinners, returning 4 for 35 in 10 overs.
Then fiery paceman Ryan Addison, who has returned to the club from Linden Park, proved too hot for the middle-order to handle, grabbing 4 for 35 at second change.
Amid the clatter of wickets there was a superb run-out by Andy Hammond, who rejoins the club after a spell at Old Elthamians. He produced a direct hit at mid-wicket taking aim at one stump.
In reply Borella gave Cowdrey a positive start but they wobbled from 81 for 0 to 91 for 3 as the pitch began to keep low.
Hammond ensured there were no further alarms with a mature 30 to take the visitors home.
PICTURE: BIG HIT: Ashley Borella made a commanding start
