Iden maintain cricket league lead

The Division One leaders bowled hosts Newick out for 142 with Mark Kitching taking 4-23 off 13 overs before knocking off the runs for the loss of eight wickets thanks largely to Michael White’s 60.

Battle have opened up an 18-point cushion in Division Two courtesy of a 125-run victory over Rye, who drop to fourth. Ben Ridgway top-scored with 60 and Joe Wood hit 42 as Battle posted 223-8 batting first.

Martin Blincow and Nick Paine took three wickets each for a Rye side which was then dismissed for 98 in reply. Gary Willis (24) and Alfie Weller (21) went past 20, but Mike Gedye and Ridgway claimed three wickets apiece.

Also in Division Two, Robertsbridge won by 54 runs at home to Crowborough. Little Common Ramblers triumphed by seven wickets at home to Pett in Division Four.

Full reports on each of these games and the latest league tables will appear in Friday’s Observers.