Catford won the toss and elected to bat at Swanmead. But Thom Brown (2 for 27) bowled very well with the new ball, accounting for both openers, and unlucky not to pick up more wickets as the batsmen played and missed.
Minhaj Jalill’s off-spin slowed the scoring-rate as he picked up 2 for 23 in his 10 overs, while a good piece of fielding by Ralph Yeats-Brown removed the dangerous Tevin Sterling (33).
With 15 overs remaining Catford had been restricted to 135 for 6, but then the wheels came off in the field and eight catches were dropped as the visitors reached 212 all out.
Skipper Ryan Addison (2 for 53) and paceman Nick Farr (2 for 33) polished off the last four wickets with an over to spare.
After an early wicket Stuart Clarke (40) set about building the reply with Jason Carver.
But then three quick wickets pushed the match in Catford’s favour.
Veteran Glen Warner had other ideas and at 117 for 6 found an able partner in Brown, putting on 60 runs for the seventh wicket.
Following Brown’s demise it was left to Warner and Farr to get the Tonbridge side home, and at 205 for 7 it seemed victory was within their grasp.
But then Sterling (4 for 44) showed his all-round prowess, removing Warner for a valiant 66 off just 67 balls with eight fours and a six.
Two more wickets fell in quick succession to leave the home side agonisingly short by five runs with seven balls unused.
Cowdrey will need to put in a much-improved performance, particularly in the field, as they face what is sure to be a hotly contested derby.
They travel to neighbours Tonbridge on Saturday (June 29).
