Ashford's Andy Maurice, who toiled hard for his 2-53 against Sandwich

Ashford held out against high-scoring Sandwich to earn a share of the points in an early-season basement battle in Shepherd Neame Kent League Division 1.

Town travelled to The Butts still looking for their first win and faced an uphill challenge after Sandwich cracked 271-4 from their 50 overs.

Their reply got off to a slow start, quickly falling to 25-3 before James Watson (39) and Shannon Fattore (30) built a half-century stand for the second week in a row and Liam Tegg (46) and skipper Craig Buckham (22) also put on 54 for the sixth-wicket.

Despite Alex Watson’s unbeaten 19 taking them past the 200 mark to secure maximum batting points, Ashford slumped to 208-9 and James Rand needed to block-out the final three balls to avoid defeat.

Ashford remain without a win after four matches and this weekend they travel to Whitstable.

For a full Kent League round-up see this week's Kentish Express