Hayes (Kent) CC 1st XI began their 2025 campaign with an emphatic 7-wicket win over Sevenoaks Vine CC in a one-sided pre-season encounter. A clinical bowling performance laid the platform, followed by a composed chase anchored by strong top-order contributions.
Sevenoaks Vine 1st XI – 99 all out (29.4 overs)
Sevenoaks Vine elected to bat but struggled from the outset, slumping to 19/5 after just 9 overs. The damage was inflicted early by W MacVicar, whose tight, probing spell (6-2-9-3) tore through the top order, including both openers and L Schlemmer.
Only C Vernon (28) and W House (33) offered resistance in the middle, briefly stabilizing the innings with a 63-run stand. But once they fell, the tail offered little support.
S Gallagher (5-1-11-3) complemented MacVicar brilliantly, dismissing both set batsmen and cleaning up the lower order. S Eddicott added 2 for 11 in an impressive 6-over spell, and F Bryan chipped in with1 for 7 to wrap up the innings under 30 overs.
Hayes 1st XI – 101/3 (19.2 overs)
Hayes made light work of the chase, reaching their target with more than 20 overs to spare. The top order showed both aggression and maturity in their approach.
S Gallagher followed up his fine bowling with a fluent 25 (25 balls, 5 fours), while R Low struck 27 from 26 balls, keeping the momentum going. W MacVicar capped off an excellent all-round performance with a steady 28* (37 balls), guiding his team home with composure.
Sevenoaks Vine managed three wickets, with L Schlemmer (2/33) and C Vernon (1/31) among the wicket-takers, but their bowlers had too little to defend.
Key Performers:
Summary:
A dominant display by Hayes CC 1st XI, led by MacVicar and Gallagher, ensured a comfortable win and provided strong signs ahead of the competitive season.
