Ashford secured their place in Shepherd Neame Kent League Division 1 for next season with a 47-run victory over Tenterden, whose defeat saw them relegated instead.

Openers Matt Lincoln (47) and Liam Tegg (70) gave the Ashford innings a good start by adding 105, with Gary Sutton’s undefeated 26 helping lift the total to 183-8. Mark Baker was the best of the Tenterden bowlers with 5-41 from 15 overs.

Darren Cooper (3-57) and Raza (2-36) swiftly reduced Tenterden to 10-4 and despite some late order resistance, led by Dan McDonald (39), they were dismisssed for 136, Craig Buckham breezing through the tail to take 4-17 in 4.1 overs.

Tenterden finished the campaign on 163 points, just two clear of safety behind Sandwich (164). Whitstable also just avoided the drop on 165.