CHAMPIONS Hythe collected their Lords East Kent League cricket trophy at the league's annual meeting at Ashford (Roger Mapstone writes).

League chairman Archie Wright handed the trophy to Hythe skipper Nigel Pichowski and congratulated the club on an outstanding season, eventually finishing six points clear of nearest rivals Whitstable.

Sandwich received the league's Tom Dearman mid-week knockout cup, having beaten Whitstable in a thrilling final at Old Stacians' ground. Scott Narraway, of Broadstairs, was named player-of-the-year for his three unbeaten centuries during the summer.

Mr Wright was re-elected chairman and he paid tribute to the hard work and dedication to the league of secretary Kevin Hall who was standing down after many years' service. He is replaced by Andrew Elgar, of Wye.

Before stepping down, Mr Hall announced that Lords International had agreed to continue their sponsorship of the league for another season.

Rodmersham were elected to the league, increasing the number of clubs to 13,

and the draw for the opening rounds of the Tom Dearman Cup was made.

In the two first round matches, to be played by May 31, Whitstable were drawn at home to Lashings and Macknade at home to Sandwich. The winners meet in the second round.

The rest of the second round draw, to be played by June 30, is: Broadstairs v Wye; Mersham v Rainham; and Old Stacians v Canterbury.