Vine buzzing ahead of winner takes all match

SO AFTER a long season and 17 matches, it all comes down to the final game between Sevenoaks Vine and local rivals Tunbridge Wells to see who retains their Premier League status.

Vine, who have had a difficult campaign, sit one place above the drop zone and need just five points to survive, while Wells, playing at home, are in the same position.

It could have all been wrapped up, bar the shouting, if Vine hadn’t have gone down to a 56-run defeat to Gore Court on Saturday, but there is still a possibility that relegation could become a reality if a bad performance is produced at The Nevill.

Chairman Omar Iqbal thinks the match will be an exciting one and the fact that it is between two local teams means the clash has added spice.

“The team is very focussed on what they have to do,” he said. “It is a real winner takes all scenario, but on the other hand both teams just need five points so then irrespective of the Lordswood result, we both stay up. It is a real shame that two local clubs, neighbours, are in this position and there is still a possibility that both will survive.

“Also, if it is rained off, then both teams get eight points - which again means we both stay up.

“It makes it a little bit easier that our destiny is in our own hands and both teams will fight to the death.

“Bonus batting and bowling points could play a big part so it will be an exciting match for spectators. We will have to see what happens.”

It has been a strange old season down at the Vine. Even though they are down the bottom of the league, wins against the top sides have come, however consistency has been a real problem.

Availability of some of the younger players, due to university, has been patchy and the team’s form has suffered.

Iqbal acknowledges it has been a real roller coaster of a season.

“It has been a real season of highs and lows,” he admitted. “We have beaten the top teams and produced some fantastic performances, when we have had everyone available. We have struggled a bit for availability and that has hurt us. So were we are in the table is about where we should be.”

Where they finish in the table will all become apparent come Saturday evening.