Captain Jarryd Taig is optimistic Canterbury 1sts can beat Kent League Premier Division leaders Minster 1sts - provided they stick to their game-plan.

Canterbury have had a mixed start to the season and are seventh, five points clear of the relegation zone, after being thumped by 117 runs at Hayes 1sts at the weekend.

Canterbury welcome the Sheppey side, who racked up 354-6 against Bickley Park last time out, to Polo Farm this Saturday.

Taig said: “By the looks of it, they have found their form with the bat!

“They have got some quality players. I feel like, if we stick to our guns, especially at home, we have a good chance of knocking them over.

“At times, we have played how other teams want us to play and that’s been our downfall.

“If we play how we want to play, we can win against a high-quality side.”

Taig thinks the game could prove a good learning curve for their young players.

“It’s a good challenge for the younger players against guys that have been around for a while,” he said.

“Ben Marsh is key for me. He’s a completely different player.

“He hasn’t got the runs yet but he probably looks the most comfortable out of everyone.

“Playing against St Lawrence and Minster is a really good learning curve for him - and a lot of young guys, as well.”

Italian international Anthony Mosca was among those absent for Canterbury at Hayes, as big-hitting former Kent batsman Alex Blake cashed in with a century.

“We were lacking a few players and just mainly lacked with the ball,” Taig reflected. “We only had five options.

"It was a flat pitch and we just fed Blake at times for his hundred.

“The openers did well but, after that, we just didn’t quite get it right.”

In reply to the hosts’ 321-6, Syan Bulathsinhala (55 not out) and Jarred Lysaught (54) at least offered some hope for Canterbury, who could only make 204-9 from their 50 overs. Bulathsinhala (2-79) also got among the wickets, alongside Cameron Wilshaw (2-48).

Second-placed St Lawrence & Highland Court 1sts remain level on points with Minster, as they secured a 46-run victory at Bexley 1sts.

Australian overseas all-rounder Jason Sangha (84) guided the away side to 208 all out.

He put on 64 with Will Hilton (29) while Ben Mills was unbeaten on 28 at the end of their innings. Bexley were then limited to 162 all out, Ben Trott (4-18) to the fore.

St Lawrence & Highland Court are at home against Tunbridge Wells on Saturday.