DARTFORDIANS Cricket Club’s first XI beat league leaders Westgate-on-Sea on Saturday to throw the title race wide open.

Westgate won the toss had little hesitation in asking Dartfordians to bat first on a green looking surface.

Openers Jon Kellett and Dan Bygrave made steady but slow progress to put on 50 for the first wicket.

Spencer McGuire made double figures on his first team debut before he departed and Kevin Cullern, with some lusty blows, soon followed.

Captain Simon Harman was able to stay around at the other end all this time and ended 60no thanks to some youthful running from Charlie Pooley towards the end.

Innings was closed on 164-6 off 46 overs, a good effort considering Darts only had 93 with 10 overs to go.

Westgate got off to the worse possible start, losing captain Chris Flint third ball for 0 off the bowling of Harman and fellow opener Keith Sandwell was bowled by Cullern.

Cullern picked up two more quick wickets (3-40) and Harman one to leave Westgate on 50-5.

A mini-revival started, only for Jim Curtis to take a trio of wickets (3-26) in a fine spell to swing things back in Dartfordians’ favour.

Harman came back to pick up his third wicket (3-15) and Will Barker finished the game, ensuring Darts held on for victory by bowling Westgate out for 148.

With Shooters Hill beating Leeds & Broomfield, it means 21 points separates first from fifth.

Dartfordians are just eight points off top spot with arguably the easiest run in so confidence is high in the camp.

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