Tom Chapman is optimistic Sandwich Town’s weekend Kent League Premier Division win can help kick-start their season.

Sandwich got off the mark in the league at the third attempt at Minster as they won by 71 runs.

While they failed to back up that victory as they lost in the Second Round of the ECB National Club Championship on Sunday, stand-in skipper Chapman focused on the positives.

He said: “We were close against Lordswood (losing their opening game by 23 runs) - that was a game we thought we should have won but we threw it away a little bit.

“Getting that win on Saturday shows we can be up and around it. We definitely back ourselves.

“It was nice to get that win on Saturday and, hopefully, that will help kick-start our season.

“It was a fantastic victory, really, one we have been looking for in the last couple of weeks.

“Everything just came together nicely.”

Wicketkeeper Ryan Davies top scored with 61 during Sandwich’s 201 all out.

“He has started very well,” 30-year-old Chapman noted on Davies’ summer. “It sort of all came together.

“He played a very nicely-timed innings. He was in a little bit of a hole early doors.

"But he rebuilt and got a very crucial 60-odd in the context of the game.”

Sandwich were thumped by nine wickets at Tunbridge Wells, though. Only opening batsman Zack Fagg (20) and Chapman (18) offered much in their 93 all out.

Chapman reflected: “It was a funny one because we got off to quite a good start.

“Zack was flying but we just lost a flurry of wickets.

“It wasn’t quite there for us. It was one to forget.”

Town are at home against St Lawrence & Highland Court this Saturday, themselves looking to respond after a narrow loss against defending champions Lordswood.

Matt Hammond’s side have legendary veteran former Kent all-rounder Darren Stevens among their ranks.