Sandwich's hopes of clinching the second promotion spot in Shepherd Neame Kent League Division 1 suffered a blow on Saturday.

Town went down by seven wickets at Hythe, who have leapfrogged them into second place in the table.

Sandwich made just 186-7 from their 50 overs, Rhys Jones top-scoring with an unbeaten 38.

They had a glimmer of hope after removing the top three Hythe batsmen cheaply, but Jon Smith (70 not out) and Dan Furnival (59 not out) steered Hythe to victory on 187-3.

Sandwich 2nds cemented their mid-table position in Division 1 2nd XI with a 41-run success over Hayes.

After slipping to 64-4, they were rescued by an 87-run stand for the fifth wicket between Stuart Smith (64) and Kevin Beaumont (42).

Sandwich reached 199-8 and spinner Alan Amos grabbed 4-48 as Hayes were eased out for 158.

More cricket in this week's Mercury