Experienced Sri Lankan overseas off-spinner Roshan Jayatissa returned remarkable figures in Sandwich Town 1sts’ big win at Broadstairs on Sunday.
Jayatissa claimed 5-2 from eight overs as Kent League Championship leaders Broadstairs were skittled for 80 in Town’s 183-run victory in the Second Round of The Conference Cup for the Bertie Joel Trophy.
“It’s been coming,” said Sandwich skipper Tom Chapman. “He has been bowling well on Saturdays.
“It was nice to see him really in full flight.
"It was just a joy to watch from leg-slip, seeing all the tricks he has in the bag.”
The 35-year-old joined Sandwich this summer but hadn’t delivered a match-winning performance - until Sunday.
Chapman said: “He has settled in well.
"He has bowled well in all the games he has played in. He has been bowling in different situations a lot, which is always tough.
“But he has quality and that was shown fully on Sunday.”
Jayatissa took centre stage after the visitors had been dismissed in the 45th over at Broadstairs. Zach Fagg top scored with 65 off 62 balls, despite dropping down the order.
Chapman said: “Zach has had an excellent start to the season. Hopefully, it does carry on.
“He played a slightly different role on Sunday. He was a little bit late, with us batting first, but it worked out well.
“Him being at No.6 could be something we look to do on a Saturday at some point.”
That victory came after Town lost at Tunbridge Wells a day earlier in the league.
The home team totalled 294-6 as Fagg (2-48), William Thurgate (2-54) and Harry Bee (2-68) took wickets.
Sandwich were then restricted to 192 all out, despite Rory Smith’s sublime 85.
“We know the quality that Rory brings to our team,” noted Chapman. “That was shown again on Saturday.
“He measured his innings very well and he got us close to 200, and another bonus point.
"He’s a superb player with bat and ball.”
Sandwich sit at the foot of the Kent League Premier Division but Chapman said: “There’s a lot of cricket still to play in this league.
“Obviously, it’s never nice being bottom. But we’re probably one win away from being fifth or fourth, so we will not be reading too much into it.
“Looking at the table, we have already played first, second, third and fourth.
“Now, we have some teams in and around us.”
Town will welcome Hayes 1sts to The Butts ground on Saturday, themselves only three points clear of the relegation zone and eight ahead of Sandwich, despite their weekend win against Canterbury by 117 runs.
Sandwich Town 2nds suffered a six-wicket Division 4 home loss to Minster 2nds.
Charlie Bell’s 71 guided them to 203 all out but the away side cruised to victory with eight overs to spare.
