Weekend of 28/07/2007 to 29/07/2007

Ashford extended their lead at the top of the table on Saturday, inflicting a heavy defeat on local rivals Old Stacians at Ball Lane by 115 runs.

Winning the toss, Ashford skipper, Julian Day, decided to bat and quickly took the attack to the Old Boys bowlers striking 3 early fours before clipping a half volley off Tom Bailey straight into the eager hands of Plant at square leg. If Old Stacians were happy at removing Day, who has previously scored heavily against them, they were overjoyed when John Brazier became an unnecessary run out victim. Brazier had looked in great form to reach 30 before a misunderstanding with Fattore saw him stranded and heading back to the pavilion. At 60 for 2, The Old Boys were hoping to make some in roads into the Ashford line up but Fattore and new batsman, Liam Tegg had other ideas. The pair batted sensibly, but both were severe on anything wayward and put on 99, with both batsmen reaching half centuries. Fattore (50) then played a lazy shot to a wide delivery and was well taken at first slip, but that only brought the in form Stuart Paine to crease. Paine immediately looked at home and was soon playing his trade mark cuts and drives. Tegg, by this stage, was really getting going, smashing fours to all parts of the ground and it took a great catch at deep cover by Dan Coulsden to remove him for an excellent 73. Paine continued the onslaught and was well supported by the Ashford lower order. Reaching his third half century in as many games, he pushed The Ants onto a formidable 268 off of their 50 overs and finished on 64 not out.

For the Old Boys, Tom Bailey picked up 6 wickets, and young James Rand two but otherwise the bowling figures didn't make pretty reading.

The target was always going to be a tall order, but with attacking fields, both openers got off to a good start. Alex Watson, who has bowled well without reward in recent games, finally found an edge and had Darren Bailey caught behind for 18. Luke Reeves soon followed to the same bowler for the same score when he drove a catch to short cover. A lot of pressure was now on Stacians two experienced batsmen, skipper Howard Wooding and aussie Tim Walsh, but excellent bowling from Si Taylor put them on the back foot. Taylor gave away nothing, bowling an immaculate line and length and the introduction of leg spinner Craig Buckham further restricted the run chase. Wooding, after surviving one sharp chance to slip became Buckhams first victim, caught behind. Pete Shields has so often saved the Old Boys in these situations, but despite a couple of lusty blows he fell for 25, well caught by Taylor at midwicket. When Taylor then trapped Walsh leg before for 26, Ashford really started to tighten the screws. With 5 close fielders, Buckham teased and tempted the Old Boys lower order picking up two more wickets, but some sensible batting by Sam Kennett and Dan Coulsden kept the Ants at bay until the 39th over when Tegg had Coulsden caught at slip for a well played 19. Tom Baileys survived a sharp chance to silly mid off, but Tegg wrapped up the innings and took the 20 points when he caught Kennett (29) off his own bowling in the 41st over to dismiss Stacians for 153.

Buckham took 4 for 68, Taylor a superb 2 for 25 and Watson and Tegg took another 2 wickets a piece in what was, in the end, a comfortable win for the town side.

The win sees Ashford now 5 points clear of Holmesdale in second place and 25 points clear of the chasing pack. Old Stacians defeat coupled with a win by fellow strugglers Rainham sees them slip into the relegation places. Ashford now travel up to Wickham Park, before two home games against Walmer and BOCA. These 3 games could define the season for The Ants and they will be keen to keep their winning run going.

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Ashford 268-9 (50 overs) (L.Tegg 73, S.Paine 64*, S.Fattore 50)

Old Stacians 153 all out (41 overs) (C.Buckham 4-68, S.Taylor 2-25, L.Tegg 2-4)

Won by 115 runs

Match report not available.

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Old Wilsonians 152 all out (49.4 overs) (S.Pichowski 5-30, B.Spencer 2-30, A.Neale 2-54)

Ashford 153-3 (37.1 overs) (S.Pichowski 64*, A.Rolfe 26, A.Neale 24)

Won by 7 wkts

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