Tunbridge Wells 227-8 beat Beckenham 90 by 137 runs
TUNBRIDGE WELLS recovered from their crushing defeat at Blackheath to achieve a comprehensive victory over Kent Premier League champions Beckenham at Foxgrove.
The visitors were asked to bat first and Wells captain Chris Williams raced to 50 off 53 balls in a belligerent opening partnership of 65.
But then the home side’s Junaid Nadir broke through and four wickets tumbled for just four runs to leave the top order in ruins at 76 for 5.
Nadir was then surprisingly rested after he had snapped up 4 for 15 from seven incisive overs.
Marcus O’Riordan managed to rally enough support to pull off a brave reversal of fortunes.
He remained unbeaten on 65 off 93 deliveries and took his side through to the end of their 50 overs assisted by his brother Julian (27), the siblings adding 67 for the seventh wicket.
Ari Karvelas then blasted 29 from 13 balls with two sixes and three fours as Wells reached 227 for 8 and set the hosts a tricky target, Nadir ending up with 5 for 49.
The fiery Karvelas (3-18) then combined with Alex Williams (3-15) as the reply subsided to 38 for 5 after 13 overs of pace.
Marcus O’Riordan took 2 for 11 to wrap up the innings at 90 off just 29.2 overs, concluding a fine all-round performance.
It was a powerful win for Wells, whose had not shown such dominance hitherto this season, and they move up to fourth place in the table, still in touch with the leading pack.
Second-placed Sandwich Town now visit The Nevill on Saturday [June 9].
