Bashley proved the saying “catches win matches” as their fielding won the day for them against Hythe & Dibden. They held all 7 chances offered by H&D, including a spectacular one handed caught and bowled by James Gaunt. Whereas, in a low scoring encounter, H&D spilled 2 straightforward catches that may well have decided the game. Bash recovered from 10 – 4 and 49 – 7 to post 106 thanks to a patient 20 from Joel Hood and a crucial eighth wicket stand of 34 between Steve Ransom (38) and Richard King (20). Best of the H&D bowlers was young left arm spinner Noah Vaughan 10-1-30-5, backed up by Phil Long 8-1-24-3 and the miserly Kevin McCarthy 10-5-8-0.
In reply H&D lost wickets at regular intervals and despite 41 from skipper Shaun Moss they lurched to 60 for 9. Then a last wicket stand between Sam Fenton and McCarthy started to rattle Bash as McCarthy defended and Fenton hit out. They added 23 without much alarm until Fenton went for one big hit too many and was out caught. The wickets were shared around as James Gaunt and Kris Laurent took 3 each and Joel Hood 2.
