Sheldwich 1st XI had a vital win on Saturday against Invicta Premier League Champions Shipbourne. Sheldwich won the toss and decided to bat on a humid afternoon at Sheldwich Lees.

James Creed (65) and Jonathon Heward (29) provided an excellent platform with an opening partnership of 81 in 17 overs. The innings was just beginning to stall when 3 wickets were lost and only 38 runs were scored in the next 13 overs, but Captain Phil Stanford (47) and Danny Ray (39) increased the tempo with some lusty hitting and good running between the wickets. These runs were to prove vital as Sheldwich managed to reach 221-7 in their 45 overs.

The usually steady Ron Brown bowled an indifferent spell at the beginning of the Shipbourne innings but he did manage to remove the dangerous Andy Gilliam in his first over. At 68-1 Dave Prior (2-47) and Ian Hulks (3-20) made big inroads into the Shipbourne batting as they collapsed to 79-5. 2^nd XI captain Hulks bowled superbly, unchanged for 11 overs as Shipbourne struggled to 115-7. With a good run out by Danny Bland and an excellent catch by James Harris off Matt Smyth (2-42), the game seemed over at 149-9. However with Willis (82) and wicketkeeper Fenton requiring 73 off 9 overs, the tiring Sheldwich bowlers couldn’t stem the flow of runs as the equation became 14 off 2 overs. Up stepped James Creed and with the help of a tumbling catch from Dave Williams, and Sheldwich breathed a sigh of relief as they completed a 12 run win and 30 points. This was a much needed win to move up several places in the league.

Sheldwich Sunday XI Sheldwich cruised to a 92 run victory over unbeaten Kingsnorth on Sunday.  Batting first on a suspect pitch, Hodges survived a confident shout for caught behind in the first over, and Mills was unluckily caught behind early on by a ball that jumped off a length.  The middle order then made good progress, with Mark Hammond (47), Marcus Hodges (33), Dan Ray (31) James Creed (24) and latterly Dave Prior (19*) all contributing to a total of 220-7.
In response, Kingsnorth were reduced to 23-4 in the ninth over, with Matt Smyth (3-24) and Ian Hulks (1-11) making early inroads.  The Kingsnorth middle order then staged something of a recovery, before an excellent run out from Dan Ray sent the big hitting Mantell on his way.  Dave Prior (4-24) dismissed the dangerous Rulfe, before sending most of the lower order on
their way with good support from Creed (1-11), leaving Kingsnorth all out for 128 in the 32nd over.

Sheldwich 1st XI lost to league leaders Eynsford in the Invicta Premier League on Saturday. Despite losing the toss, Sheldwich were able to use the new ball on a quicker than usual wicket at the Lees. An excellent opening spell from Ron Brown (2-32) who swung and seamed the new ball, put the in form Eynsford batsmen under pressure with 5 maidens in his first 6 overs and he was rewarded when the opener edged to wicketkeeper Danny Ray. Sheldwich struggled to harness the aggressive 2nd wicket partnership until at 92-1, Sheldwich through the introduction of Dave Prior (4-27), reduced Eynsford to 118-5 in a space of 5 overs. With some excellent flight and bounce Prior bowled 3 of the middle order to put Sheldwich in a great position but 2 important dropped catches at this stage were to be decisive. The opposition were able to battle their way to 189 all out in the 44th over despite a 2-7 spell from captain James Creed.

Creed (24) on his return, with 3 sixes and a four got Sheldwich off to quick start but with the exception of Marcus Hodges (23), James Harris (27), Simon Smith (25) and latterly Matt Smyth (17 n.o), the Sheldwich batsmen were well below par as they failed to pressure the Eynsford attack and fell 24 runs short in the 46th over. Once again a failure to build partnerships cost Sheldwich dear as they slipped into the bottom two for the first time at the half-way stage of the season. With a weeks break and a tour to Norfolk, lets hope the batsmen can find some form before the Shipbourne game at home on the 22nd July.

Sheldwich 2nd XI lost heavily to high riding Meopham :- details to follow

Next match : away to Bearsted in the Invicta League Div 2.

Sheldwich Sunday XI Sheldwich had a comprehensive ten wicket victory over Rolvenden on Sunday, with the game wrapped up by tea.  After winning the toss, Rolvenden chose to bat, but only managed 72 in 23 overs.  All of the bowlers picked up wickets, with Matt Smyth (3-10), Tim George (3-36), James Cork (2-3), Ian Hulks (1-6) and James McRae (1-8) all pleased with their days work.  The fielding was also sharp, with Tom Janes, in only his second game of cricket, picking up the catch of the day at mid-wicket.  In response, Sheldwich openers Martin
Mills and Marcus Hodges knocked off the required runs in just 15 overs, with Mills playing an expansive game whilst Hodges dug in at the other end.

CONGRATULATIONS to the Indoor team for reaching the FINAL of the Kent Knock-out Cup on Sunday 5th February. Having beaten Lordswood and Tunbridge Wells in the Semi-final they were eventually beaten by favourites Broadstairs.

Sheldwich 1st XI lost to bottom of the league Mersham by 9 wickets in a poor display in their Invicta League clash at Mersham. Phil Stanford won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first on a hot afternoon on an excellent hard wicket. Despite a hostile spell from Darren Pugh, Johnny Heward (39) and Marcus Hodges (47) put down a good platform with an opening partnership of 73. However a mixture of poor shots and the unfortunate injury to Dave Williams stopped Sheldwich building on this. Only Danny Ray (33) and Dave Prior (18 n.o.) reached double figures as Sheldwich struggled to 188-7 in their 45 overs.

Mersham started off steadily but as the Sheldwich bowlers struggled with the excellent batting wicket, Mersham took total control as Pugh hit a superb 119 not out with 5 sixes and 14 fours. With 8 overs left they passed Sheldwich`s score with only 1 wicket down.

Sheldwich 2nd XI  When Horton Kirby pulled out of Saturday’s clash with the inform Sheldwich 2nds, the day and the delicious tea could have gone to waste, were it not for the remarkable Ian Hulks who saved it with another game with another team, won the toss and then decided to field first; despite not really knowing why he wanted to. In another bold move, he then entrusted Luke Mercer to partner the left arm pace of Jon Taylor with the new ball, but found few breakthroughs against some sensible batting from the Cosmo’s top order. Simon Brissenden bowled with great accuracy and zip and was by far the most frugal of the Sheldwich bowlers. Nick Cork gave nothing away, nor too did Captain Marvel, but it James McRae’s bottomless bag of tricks which accounted for 3 scalps, including 2 in 2 balls, which made him the pick of the attack.

 In reply and chasing 170 to win, Sheldwich’s fortunes were mixed, with just Bert Andrews (46), Ian Hulks (25) and James McRae making double figures in an innings disturbed by England’s penalty woes. Credit must be given to the Cosmo’s bowling attack however, who were all rewarded with wickets. Notably, O’Brain who picked up 3 for 20 from his 4 overs to go with the 20 runs he scored with the bat. Sheldwich were eventually curtailed in the 28^th over, 47 runs short of victory

Sheldwich 1st XI lost to Staplehurst by in a nailbiting finish at the Lees in the Invicta League. Batting first, Staplehurst recovered from losing 2 early wickets to build their innings against some tight Sheldwich bowling. However when Matt Smyth (3-42) had the dangerman Watts caught off a skier for 29 by wicketkeeper Danny Ray, Staplehurst found it difficult to accelerate against some tight slow bowling from Smyth and Dave Prior (2-39) A superb diving catch to his right by Danny Bland added to Smyth's wicket tally and when Ron Brown (4-33) was brought back in the closing overs he responded by claiming 3 further wickets to end the innings prematurely on 177 with 2 overs to go. Sheldwich were able to claim those 2 overs to add to their 45 but some excellent  pace bowling had Sheldwich in trouble early on as they slumped to 28-4. Ian Turton (25) and the experienced Martin Mills (55) staged a recovery and with Captain Phil Stanford (21) and David Prior (19) adding further support to Mills, Sheldwich needed 23 off the last 3 overs with 4 wickets left. Watts claimed the valuable wicket of Mills and Bland with a brilliant catch from the wicketkeeper and with the run out of Prior, Sheldwich fell 5 short with the last pair at the wicket

Sheldwich 2nd XI v Beneden (Friendly) Having won the toss and deciding to field, Captain I. Hulks was rewarded with some fine bowling from J. McRae (1-12), S. Brissenden (2-17) and the fiery J.Taylor (0-18) who was unlucky not to have picked up a wicket. Tight fielding towards the close kept Benenden to 167 on their tiny ground despite a concerted effort by them, to push it along against the second string bowlers. In reply, Sheldwich began brightly but lost both openers with just 22 on the board. J. McRae then punished the Benenden attack with a brutal 39 in as many seconds, I. Hulks followed suit with an (at times) agricultural 32, before M. Hammond (42 N.O.) and the stylish youngster D.McCracken (17), took Sheldwich to within a couple of overs of victory.

Sheldwich Sunday XI maintained their unbeaten start to their Kent Village League campaign with a 6 wicket victory over Highways at Platt.  Highways openers Jayaweera (51) and Raja (93 not out) scored all of the runs in their total of 181 for 7, with Tony Creed (4-35) the pick of the Sheldwich bowlers.  In response, the Sheldwich innings was built on an excellent 64 not out from Mark Hammond, with the other batsmen chipping in to reach the target with 8 overs to spare.  The match was most notable for the fact that all 11 Sheldwich players who took the field at the start of the game were able to walk unaided at the end. Link to Matt Smyth Picture

Sheldwich 1st XI v Headcorn away (Premier League)...Headcorn won the toss and decided to bat on a hot humid day. Ron Brown (3-43) made some good early inroads with his left arm swing bowling, as each batsman was clean bowled. The other opening bowler Simon Smith (1-36) was unlucky with a fine spell when a chance was dropped in the slips, but soon after removed the in form Headcorn batsman Westrop, Lbw. Captain Phil Stanford (2-29) and Dave Prior (1-42) bowled in tandem, and the pick of the wickets was an outstanding catch by the wicketkeeper Danny Ray who dived full stretch to his right one handed. The middle order was kept in check as Headcorn managed only 177-7 in their 45 overs.

Despite losing an early wicket, Sheldwich were never behind the clock as Marcus Hodges (101 not out)scored his maiden Premier League hundred and dominated the Headcorn attack with some controlled strokeplay of the highest class. He was well supported by Simon Smith (41 not out) who batted with great common sense in a stand of 153. Hodges completed his hundred by scoring the winning runs. Sheldwich won by 9 wickets with over 5 overs to spare.

 Next week the 1st XI are home to Staplehurst as they try to consolidate their 3rd place in the Premier Division.

Sheldwich 2nd XI won against Staplehurst in the Invicta League : Despite their bowling being a little wayward, Sheldwich’s batsmen chipped in with the necessaries and took the honours over Staplehurst, with a run chase of 229. Mark Hammond’s (108 n.o) impressive form continued with another classy exploit, this time with Ian Turton (71) as they blazed, in turn towards a 2^nd wicket partnership of 180 in just 103 minutes. Big Tom Janes (16 n.o.) finished off the pursuit in typical style, having  taken umbrage at the field being brought in for him.

Sheldwich 1st XI had an excellent win against Linton Park in the Invicta League on Saturday. Sheldwich won the toss on a very hot day and decided to bat. Danny Ray (34) and Jonathon Heward (30) established early control by putting on 68 in the first 15 overs. However the innings almost stalled as Linton fought back and Sheldwich were 5 down with only 121 on the board after 35 overs. Andy Carr (35) and David Prior (25) Captain for the day, added much needed impetus as Sheldwich finished their 45 overs on 189-9.  This score seemed about 20 or more runs short on a good wicket with excellent conditions for batting.

Ron Brown (2-17) started with 5 maidens in a row as Linton struggled to get their innings underway. This pressure eventually paid dividends as the 2 spinners, Prior (4-29) and Matt Smyth (3-27) bowled beautifully including 3 first class caught and bowleds. Linton lost wickets at regular intervals and despite a 30 run 10th wicket partnership were all out in the 45th over for 157. Sheldwich bowled and fielded superbly and thoroughly deserved their 32 run victory.

Sheldwich 2nd XI got back to winning ways in the Invicta League with a convincing win against Rumwood.  Put into bat Rumwood were made to work hard for runs as John Taylor (4-26) and Nick Cork (2-17) bowled well and it was the 34th over before they reached 100-3. A run out, the re-introduction of Taylor who mopped up 3 more wickets and the Captain Ian Hulks (2-36) restricted Rumwood to 151-9 in their 45 overs. With Danny Madden (24) and Martin Mills (68 n.o.) adding 53 in the first 11 overs, Sheldwich cruised home by 8 wickets in the 30th over.

Next Saturday the 2nd's continue their league campaign with a home game against Staplehurst.

Sheldwich Sunday XI hammered Detling in their Kent Village League game. On a hot day, Sheldwich completed another weekend hatrick of wins on the slopes of Detling with an impressive all round performance. Firstly with the willow on their way towards a total of 292 for 6, with James Creed (91), captain Danny Ray (78), Mark Hammond (49) and an 18 ball cameo worth 31 from Ian Hulks; who was later carried off because he didn’t field with his hands; all contributing handsomely. As did the bowlers, all of whom picked up scalps as Detling could only manage 124 in reply and just 5 of these from the last 36 balls they faced, off the bat. (Dan Madden)

Sheldwich 1st XI had a disappointing start to their Invicta League campaign when they lost a tight game at Meopham by 3 wickets. Winning the toss and batting Sheldwich made an encouraging start with James Creed (91) in sparkling form with 8 sixes and 5 fours, supported well by Marcus Hodges (49) as Sheldwich reached 130-1 at the half stage. Wickets fell at regular intervals until Captain Phil Stanford (29 n.o) added some vital runs to get Sheldwich up to 224-7. Meopham started their reply in a hurry as both opening bowlers Brown (2-45) and Smith were removed after 6 overs with 43 on the board. David Prior (2-37) helped put a break on things and Matt Smyth dismissed the dangerous opener as Sheldwich fought back. With Meopham 105-2 at the half stage it was anyone's game. Some good positive hitting put Meopham back in charge until Brown grabbed 2 late wickets but the batsmen kept their nerve and with 2 overs left reached their target with 7 wickets down.

 Sheldwich 2nd XI without regular Captain Ian Hulks lost at Home to Headcorn by 6 wickets in the Invicta League.. Batting first Sheldwich found themselves in all sorts of problems at 96-8. Only Ian Turton (22) and Andy Carr (17) reached double figures, before James Harris (47 n.o) and 'System' Brissenden (26) rescued the innings and brought Sheldwich up to 175-9 in their 45 overs. Despite an early wicket from James McRae (3-29), Sheldwich struggled mainly through 44 extras to stop Headcorn cantering to a 7 wicket  victory in the 33rd over.

Sheldwich Sunday XI The newly promoted Sunday XI got their Kent Village League campaign off to a good start with a comfortable win over Benenden at the Lees.  After winning the toss and deciding to bat, openers Danny Ray (32) and Phil Stanford (35) put on 77 for the first wicket in 13 overs.  In his first knock of the season, Mark Hammond then showed that class is permanent with a great knock of 72.  A late clatter of wickets, brought on by some unorthodox 'yes - no - wait - bu**er' calling from James McRae slowed the scoring rate but Sheldwich still managed to post a formidable total of 229-9 in their 40 overs.  In response, tight bowling from Tim George (1-13) and James McRae (1-29) meant that Benenden were never in contention, with Sheldwich running out winners by 48 runs. (Matt Smyth)

Sheldwich 1st XI had an easy win over Old Hartsdonians at the Lees on Saturday. With Marcus Hodges (127n.o) and Dave Williams (134) top scoring in a huge score of over 340-1. The opposition did well to reach 165 all out ... 16 year old Dave McCracken took 3 wickets and 66 year old Tony Creed took 2,

Sheldwich 2nd XI lost their opening Invicta League match against Reigning Champions Hollingbourne by 31 runs. Batting first Hollingbourne made 206-9 in their 45 overs. James Harris (3-27) bowled well and John Taylor chipped in with 3-45. Martin Mills provided the base with 61 in the reply but with only Ian Hulks (21) and Tom Janes (30) providing support, Sheldwich fell short with 2 overs left.

Sheldwich Sunday XI lost to Bobbing Court in a friendly. Bobbing made 190-8 in their 40 overs. Ian Hulks (1-11) bowled with economy, whereas Vice-Captain Matt Smyth (1-57) was frequently visiting the nearby gardens with 4 sixes coming in 1 over. The other spinner James Cork bowled well taking 3-30. In Reply, Sheldwich were quickly 40-4 but Captain Danny Ray (47) and allrounder Hulks (39) brought some hope before perishing in successive overs as Sheldwich fell 30 runs short.

Sheldwich 1st XI had a comprehensive victory over local rivals Bapchild on Saturday. Sheldwich won the toss and batted. James Creed once again dominated the innings with a superb 118 and with contributions of 49 from Johnny `Angry` Heward and 29 from Dave `New boy` Williams, Sheldwich racked up 233-5 in their 40 overs. Bapchild were never in the contest as Ron `Rocket` Brown (3-16) ripped out the top three, and then Danny `Ordinary` Bland with (3-10) and John `Chappelli` Chapman (2-8) all but finished them off with only the 10th wicket adding respectability to the score with an unbeaten partnership of 49 in a total of 105-9.

Sheldwich 2nd XI welcomed back Simon Smith (143) to the fold, and he repaid them with a Century, as he and Martin Mills (97)put on an opening partnership of 235 in a big Sheldwich total of 265-1 against Bilsington. Bilsington fell well short, scoring just 120....John Taylor 3-16, Luke Mercer 2-5 Dave McCracken 2-13 Tony Creed 2-13

Sheldwich Sunday XI had a good win against Old Stacians. .....Following a solid start from the top order, Sheldwich amassed 185 from their 40 overs on a damp pitch, with Danny Ray (57) and Ian Hulks (41) making useful contributions.  In response, Old Stacians were pegged back by a fiery opening spell from Jon Taylor and James McRae, with Tony Creed (3 for 12) and Matt Smyth (3-23) coming on to do the damage.  A ninth wicket partnership of 58 frustrated the home side, and Sheldwich need to make sure that they keep focussed in the field in their forthcoming Kent Village League games if they are to secure those elusive bowling bonus points. (Matt Smyth)

Sheldwich 1st XI had a relatively easy win against Mounts on Saturday. On winning the toss Phil Stanford decided to bat on a slow, low wicket. Only Johnny `Angry` Heward was able to come to terms with the difficult wicket with a fine 65. Solid contributions from John Shields, New `boy` David Williams and Danny`Ordinary Bland helped Sheldwich to 145-9. Mounts were in all kinds of bother at 29-9 with David `Golden Arm` Prior (4-11)and Ron `Rocket` Brown (2-7) ripping the top order out. A stubborn 10th wicket gave the game some substance as Mounts reached 109 with an excellent 61 from no.11 Keir.

A weakened Sheldwich 2nd XI under new Captain Ian `Hulksy` Hulks were well beaten by a strong Rodmersham side. Rodmersham made a solid 180-6 in their 40 overs with only Matt `Horizontal` Smyth (4-43) and Tim `Boy` George (2-19) coming out with credit. After losing both openers for 0, Sheldwich did well especially through a typically hard hit 43 from `Big` Tom James, to reach 139 all out.

Both teams will be stronger next week with a number of experienced players becoming available. 1st XI are away at Bapchild and the 2nd XI are at home to Bilsington. The Sunday XI start their season with a friendly at home to Old Stacians

Sheldwich concluded their Invicta League season by finishing 4th, narrowly missing out on the runners up position.

The Sunday XI followed up last years success in the Kent Village League, by winning the Div 6 title. Congratulations to all those who played.

Sheldwich Indoor 1st Team won the Swale district League again, captained by Ian Hulks, losing only their last game. Congratulations to Marcus Hodges on being the top scorer and only being dismissed once. Despite being the top wicket-taker Mathew Smyth was unable to repeat the success the 2nd Team had last year, finishing 5th.

1st Team played the 2nd Team in the Cup Final on Sunday 22nd January 2006. After a tremendous game and a very tight finish the 1st team completed a league and cup double for the second successive season. The 1st team made 105-4 in their 10 overs (Danny Ray 32 n.o, Marcus Hodges 26 n.o and Ian Hulks 24) 2nd team after good batting from James Creed 25 n.o, Bert Andrews 17, Graham Carter 17 and Simon Harwood 18 n.o needed 5 from the last 3 balls but Phil Stanford kept his nerve and bowled 3 balls for 1 run.

Earlier the 1st team had easily defeated Bapchild and the 2nd team had beaten Upchurch in a tight finish to reach the final.

CONGTRATULATIONS to the Indoor team for reaching the FINAL of the Kent Knock-out Cup on Sunday 5th February. Having beaten Lordswood and Tunbridge Wells in the Semi-final they were eventually beaten by favourites Broadstairs.