Back-to-back wins have given Sheppey Cricket Club a chance of avoiding relegation.

The club lost a handful of key players before the season started and looked destined for relegation from Kent Regional League 1A Central a fortnight ago.

But a surprise success over Borstal last weekend was followed by a thrilling last-ball win over relegation rivals Rainham on Saturday.

Rainham made 153-8, Stuart Playle taking 3-38, before Playle and Reece Stanton held their nerve to get Sheppey over the line by one wicket.

They are now one victory adrift of safety and, with a game in hand over Rainham, who sit just above them, captain Luke Crouch is quietly confident.

He said: “We’re still not there and there is plenty of work to do but everyone was up after the win. Even the Rainham captain now thinks we’ve got the upper hand.”

Crouch’s side finish the season with games against basement side Lordswood and fourth-from-bottom Upchurch.

But before that, Sheppey – without their skipper this week – take on leaders Holcombe & Blue Bell Hill.

Crouch said: “Rainham have got to play the top two, including Staplehurst on Saturday, who have been smashing teams.

“We’re 15 points away from them and we’ll be going into our last two games looking to win. Providing Rainham don’t pull off a shock in their games, then we’ve got a chance.”