Minster 1sts line-up for the new season. Back row: Callum Hughes, Joe O’Donaghue, Neil Hosken, Nathan Nichol, Mark Tucker, Martin Hammond. Front row: Andy Hosken, Mike Rees, James White, Craig O’Donaghue, Brad
Mitchell

Mark Tucker smashed an unbeaten 98 at Gilbert Hall to help Minster get their Shepherd Neame Kent League Division 3 season off to a winning start.

The experienced batsman was replying to Old Colfeians’ 157 all out.

The Old Boys were first troubled by Tucker’s bowling, where he took 3-23 off nine overs, before he carried the bat to complete a fine all-round performance.

Nathan Nichol (2-47), captain James White (2-29) and Martin Hammond (2-25) also weighed in.

With Old Colfeians skittled out in the 49th over for 157, it gave Minster a great chance to open their league campaign with a win.

The early dismissal of Tucker’s opening partner Brad Mitchell for a duck, going lbw, was a blip that the home side soon recovered from.

Andy Hosken added 38 and Joe O’Donaghue (7 not out) helped Minster to an eight-wicket win.

More Island cricket in this week's Times Guardian