Sandwich Town lose Tom Chapman to injury in Kent Cricket League Premier Division defeat at Holmesdale; Minster at home next up

There was double disappointment for Sandwich Town as they were beaten by Kent League Premier Division basement boys Holmesdale.

A rain-affected away game saw Town lose by 121 runs on Saturday. To make matters worse, they were dealt an injury blow to Tom Chapman.

Sandwich face Minster this Saturday but skipper Jan Gray confirmed: “It’s a shame Tom Chapman will not be available to play.

“He dislocated his finger on Saturday, which was horrible for him.

“It’s one of the things you definitely don’t want to see in amateur sport - people paying their match fees and ending up getting hurt.”

But Gray did highlight the work of a home player - batting at the time - who swiftly attended to Chapman.

“We get on really well with Holmesdale,” Gray noted.

“One of their players is a nurse and was batting at the time, and immediately took the steps to bandage up Tom and say everything he needed to say at the hospital.

“He was really quick and I think we were all taken aback by how quickly he responded. In so many ways, it was really helpful.

“It probably helped ensure Tom didn’t damage his finger more.”

Zack Fagg took 3-45 for Sandwich as Holmesdale made 258-7 in 40 overs.

But Sandwich were 137 all out in reply, despite Tom Burnap’s 45 and another contribution by Ryan Davies (38).

Gray reflected: “I guess we were pretty soundly beaten in the end. I think we let them get 20 too many and we were 29-4.

“Even though Ryan and Tom batted well, it would have taken something pretty remarkable to win it from there.

“We could have sort of capitulated but it’s good we didn’t collapse in that way.”

Sandwich’s last two defeats have seen them collect nine losing bonus points in total, although St Lawrence & Highland Court’s defeat to leaders Bexley at