Defending Kent League champions Lordswood start their 2024 campaign at home to Sandwich Town – Pre-season ends with one-run win over Surrey side Cheam

A one-run victory for Kent League Premier Division champions Lordswood in last Saturday’s friendly was ideal preparation for the new season.

Lordswood were up against Surrey side Cheam, defending 207, and they eventually bowled their opponents out for 206, the kind of match that captain Calum MacLeod felt would do them no harm going into their first league game.

MacLeod said: “Having a game like that is a really good way of getting those competitive juices going, a bit of pressure, instead of just steamrolling someone.

“A close game where you have to think, you get a lot more out of a game like that.

“We probably slightly took our foot off the gas in the middle, again that is what pre-season is for, better to do it then and not the first game of the league!”

Lordswood start their defence of the league title at home to Sandwich Town (12pm) and MacLeod knows defending it will be tough.

He said: “That’s a tricky game, always tough. I think the league is really tight, looking at the teams, they are all capable of beating each other.

“I think it would be a very naive person to think you can walk straight into the division and win it again, all the other teams have strengthened.

“We know from game one to 18 you are going to have to be on it or you will find yourself in a bit of trouble.”

MacLeod led Lordswood to the title last year in his first full season as captain but the 35-year-old former Scotland international knows 1st XI success isn’t the only thing that matters.

He said: “We are looking forward to trying to replicate it, obviously last year was a very good one for the club, this year we hope to build on that and look for another successful year, but not just the first team.

“For a club, success can be determined in