Sandwich Town have slipped further into relegation trouble in Division 1 of the Shepherd Neame Kent League following Saturday’s losing draw to Canterbury.

But it could have been worse for Matt van Poppel’s side, who were facing defeat against their fellow strugglers at Polo Farm before clinging on for a draw on 103-9 in reply to Canterbury’s 185-7.

Yet Sandwich had looked in control earlier when, with the help of three run outs, they were poised to restrict Canterbury to a modest total before an unbeaten 43 from No.9 Tim Wren boosted the home side’s morale.

And then Luke Samarasinghe nearly proved Canterbury’s match winner, taking 5-15 from 14 overs as he tied down all the Sandwich batsmen apart from opener Dave Scoggins, who top scored with 32.

Sandwich were left grateful to Gavin Lawrence (pictured) for an unbeaten 20 to prevent a costly defeat.

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