DARTFORD Cricket Club began the new campaign with an entertaining draw at Orpington.

Having won the toss and opted to bat first, Darts had an early setback when Adam Clarke was ran out without scoring.

Captain Jay Dassrath (55) and Garry Cook (36) laid the foundations for a solid score with a 93-run partnership.

Both departed in quick fashion, together with debutant Babar Khan, and with the score at 98-4, the innings was in the balance.

Gavin Pointer (61*) joined Ian Sels (40*) making his first appearance in a Dartford shirt and the pair proceeded to dispatch the ball to all corners of the ground with a superb 110-run partnership in just 18 overs.

The total of 208-4 at the tea interval appeared to be a par score and one the bowlers could defend.

Sam Jewiss (2-43) trapped Sheddon in front of the stumps to make an early breakthrough.

As the runs flowed wickets continued to fall to give the Darts hope and the introduction of Ross Allen (3-41) proved critical.

With the home side at 159-4 and seemingly in control with just 50 runs required from 15 overs, the game started to turn with a sharp catch from Sunny Birring.

Orpington edged Robinson (42) closer to the target, but when he departed at 194-6 to the debutant Steve Silver (2-60), the Darts saw an opportunity to rescue the game.

It seemed to be a lost cause when the scores were tied at 208-7 with three overs remaining, but a quick single to win the match resulted in a run out from Jewiss.

Allen then snapped up the ninth wicket next ball and a nervous maiden over followed.

The comeback was complete when Orpington were bowled out in the final over with Silver taking the final wicket through an edge to slip, which was grabbed by Clarke at the second attempt.

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