Tonbridge win in season opener

Linton Park CC – 137 All Out

Tonbridge CC – 138 for 6

Tonbridge got off to a winning start in their 2025 campaign with a four-wicket victory over Linton Park last weekend.

In a battle between the sides who finished third and fourth in the division last season, the visitors won the toss and elected to bat on a lovely looking deck at Poplar Meadow. Tonbridge generated some early chances that didn’t go to hand, but in the seventh over finally made the breakthrough with opener Benjamin Austin (15) being caught well behind the stumps by new skipper Mike Jessop off the bowling of Martin Batley. The Shehzad brothers began the squeeze during the first bowling changes, something they have done for years. This helped to bring the run rate down and put pressure on Linton Park. Mark Burns’ brand on looping left arm spin caused problems from his first over, removing opener Tobey Castle for 28, and he continued to rip through the middle order. He finished with an excellent 3 for 21. Each time the visitors looked to gain momentum, a wicket would fall, and some tight fielding helped to ensure nothing free was given. Khurram Shehzad (3 for 16) and Chirag Patel (2 for 20) both returned and helped to close the innings out with over seven overs to go, and with the total on 137.

The home side got off to a good start, with Patel in particular looking in the mood as he followed up his strong bowling performance. With just over 100 runs required, Linton made their first breakthrough through Fred Campbell, and a run out of Australian Ollie Peake soon after gave the visitors some hope. Most of the Tonbridge batters would get a start, but every time it looked as though the game was getting away from Linton Park, they would strike again. Fred Taylor (2 for 15) was the main danger, and he would eventually get Patel for 30. The sixth wicket partnership would ultimately decide the game, with Mike Jessop (24 not out) and Mark Stokes (22) putting on 50, and take Tonbridge to five away from victory. A powerfully struck Jessop cover drive for four would end the game and give the home side the start they were hoping for this season.

Next week they entertain newly promoted Offham hoping to make it two wins from two.