The 2nd XI travelled down the A21 to Tunbridge Wells for their opening game of the new league season. Having won Div 2 last year they were excited to start the season off well in Div 1 and embrace the new challenge. Upon arrival it was seen that the pitch was going to have a bit of life in it, or lack there of, and bounce was going to be unpredictable.

The Vine lost the toss and were asked to bat. It was clear from the outset that runs were going to be hard fought for and some good bowling up top left the Vine 23-4 after 6 overs. Williams and new overseas Saini then batted well and started to tick the scoreboard over and together put on almost 60. Williams then went for 26 but Crombie came to the crease and carried on where he’d left off. Saini then departed for a well made 32 and then Crombie for 35 and the three of them had built the vinyard innings and got us up to 148 which felt like a very defendable score. A flurry of shot making in the last 5 overs from VD Westhuizen (21*) and Bowden (16) took the vine to 181 in our 50 overs.

After tea the team set off nicely with a wicket in the third over from VD Westhuizen but Twells number 2 and 3 built nicely before Will House made the break through in the 14th over with the score 56-2. Captain Willis then turned to last years leading wicket taker Dickerson and overseas Saini to spin the team to victory. They both bowled tidily and were restricting the opposition while picking up wickets along the way. The pitch helping the proceedings nicely. Saini ended with figures of 2-30 in his 10 but Dickerson the stand out man again finishing the day with figures of 9.4 overs 3 maidens 6 for 20. Another 5 fer for the club and the 2nd XI picked up the full 18 point win to start their Div 1 campaign.