Beating a team capable of challenging at the top of the Kent League Premier Division made Saturday’s win even more enjoyable for Minster.

A 45-run victory over Bexley made it two wins from two for Minster who successfully defended 242 at Gilbert Hall.

Kent Cricket League Premier Division round-up – week two

Captain David Masters said: “They are going to be one of the stronger teams in the league and we don’t beat them very often, so that was nice to get a win against Bexley

“I think they will be one of the teams that will be up there at the end of the season. They are a good side.

“Those games are the ones you want to win the most, they give you the most confidence moving forward.

“You want to get on a roll and stay on a roll.

“It is only two games, but both have gone to plan and it will be when things do get a bit harder and things don’t quite go to plan to see if you can scrape through and get them wins, those games that could go either way. They are the games that define a team that are going to win the league.”

For the second week running, Minster lost the toss, but again made the most of what was put in front of them. Starting on a damp wicket, Masters (60) showed his quality before the likes of James Thompson (31) and Kai Appleby (53) came to the crease.

James Spear (21 not out) and Max Luckett (15) showed the strength of their batting lower down the order, closing on 242-9 off 50 overs.

It was too much for Bexley. Luckett dismissed a couple of top-order batsman while Aron Nijjar made his first appearance of the league campaign and returned 4-57 in a game where the spinners made life tough for Bexley.

“We had a good start and everything went to plan,” added Masters. “It was a good day and a good team performance, everyone chipped in.

“It’s when things don’t quite go to plan, that’s when you see where you are as a side, where you see the character, at the moment we’re doing alright.

“Max could quite easily bat in the top six and he bowled beautifully as did our spinners and they really won the game for us.

“We just squeezed really well in that middle area and they didn’t have any answers, which was pleasing.”

Minster host Sandwich Town this Saturday (12pm), playing a team who have lost their opening two matches in the Premier Division.

Masters said: “They have a few boys who play football who have started to come back, some good players. I’d imagine those players will be easing their way back in and that will make them a stronger team.

“Sandwich are always a tough, workmanlike team, a group friends playing together and they are hard to beat. We won’t be holding back, we have to go for it again.”