23/08/2026
League Match Reports 22.8.26
Ightham 1XI
107ao
R Moran 3-26
M Sadler 2-12
A Steadman 2-26
P O’Shea 2-1
Horsmonden 1XI
111-5
F Glass 42
B Dekker 28no
Fourteen wins on the bounce.
At this stage of the season, it would be easy to focus on the headline number, but this latest victory away at Ightham was another reminder of why this Horsmonden side is sitting at the top of Division 3.
Asked to bowl first after losing the toss, Horsmonden produced a magnificent display of control, accuracy and patience to dismiss the hosts for just 107 all out. There was no let-up from the opening ball, with the bowling unit relentlessly squeezing the life out of the Ightham batting order.
Matt Sadler was outstanding, delivering nine overs including an incredible six maidens, finishing with 2-12. Andrew Steadman was again amongst the wickets with 2-30, while Ryan Moran produced another excellent spell, claiming 3-26 from his nine overs. And then, just for good measure, the wily old pro Paul O’Shea chipped in with two wickets from his solitary over.
It was powerful bowling from a brilliant unit — disciplined, accurate and utterly relentless.
The chase was about as straightforward as it could be. Captain Frank Glass produced another stylish 41, before Benji Dekker, on his welcome return to the side, finished unbeaten on a lovely 28 as Horsmonden cruised to victory inside 20 overs, losing just five wickets.
Fourteen consecutive victories.
That is an extraordinary achievement, but there is absolutely no sense of complacency within this group. With second place continuing to match them win for win, the title race remains firmly alive and every remaining game carries enormous importance.
What stands out most is the professionalism of this side. They aren’t interested in simply being promoted. They aren’t interested in admiring the winning streak.
They want the job finished.
Two games remain.
And this team doesn’t look like it’s prepared to rest until it is.
Horsmonden 2XI
249-7
A Redwood 75
T Whittingham 48
N Paul 45
R Owens 39no
Limpsfield Chart 2XI
233-8
S Kottukal 3-54
R Owens 2-57
If ever there was a time for the 2XI to produce a big performance, this was it.
With second-placed Limpsfield Chart visiting the Dog House, Horsmonden knew a victory would be hugely significant in the increasingly fascinating Division 6 promotion race. Batting first, the 2s produced an imposing 249-7, setting the visitors a serious target.
There were contributions throughout the innings, with Theo Whittingham producing a beautiful 48, finding the middle of the middle of his bat with pleasing regularity. Al Redwood then played a wonderful innings of 75, while Nick Paul, back out for the Den again, provided his customary dose of brutality with a typically powerful 45. The innings was given further impetus by Rob Owens, who smashed a rapid 39 not out to push Horsmonden towards a formidable total.
It was always going to be a tough chase, but there was absolutely no complacency from the Horsmonden bowlers.
Max Garner and Sonny Williams set the tone immediately with two excellent spells, putting pressure on the Limpsfield top order. Sarath Kottukkal then turned the screw further with a superb three-wicket haul, making run-scoring increasingly difficult before Rob Owens chipped in with two wickets of his own to keep control of the innings.
Limpsfield refused to go quietly and made Horsmonden work incredibly hard, eventually reaching 233-8 — just 16 runs short of the target. But when it mattered most, the 2s dug deep, held their nerve and got over the line.
And that win could prove to be massive.
The 2XI are now firmly in the hunt for promotion, and deservedly so. They’ve had their ups and downs this season, but the character of this group has never been in question. To beat the team sitting second in the table at this stage of the season, when the pressure is really starting to build, says a lot about this side.
Two games remain. Promotion is genuinely within reach.
The 2s have put themselves in this position — now let’s see what they can do with it.
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