Zack Fagg made a superb start to the summer for Sandwich Town on the first competitive weekend.

Opening batsman Fagg blasted an unbeaten 110-ball 162, which included two maximums and 27 fours, as they beat lower-division Broadstairs by 106 runs in the First Round of the ECB National Club Championship on Sunday.

That knock came after he top scored with 46 in Sandwich’s 23-run loss at defending Kent League Premier Division champions Lordswood a day earlier.

“Zack is a massive asset,” said stand-in skipper Tom Chapman. “When he gets it right, that’s exactly what he can do.

“To score 160-odd in a National Cup game was a tremendous effort.

“He batted very well for us on both days.”

Fagg was well supported at the crease on both days by Kit Keey and wicketkeeper Ryan Davies. Keey added to his 32 in Medway with 78 not out in a 167-run stand alongside Fagg against Broadstairs while Davies contributed 47 off 26 balls after a 33-ball 37 against Lordswood.

Kent League Premier Division round-up

Chapman said: “It was good for those two to get time in the middle. That was quite crucial.

“They both batted well on Saturday, it was a shame they got out, but they backed it up on Sunday.

“Kit is only young. He has got a lot of potential and Ryan has done it before and is in his second season back with us now.”

Harry Bee’s figures of 4-40 had helped limit Lordswood to 199 all out. The work of Fagg, Davies and Keey then gave Town hope of a successful response, only for them to fall just short.

“Saturday was a tough one to take,” reflected Chapman. “We were in a very good position at one point in the game but cricket can turn very quickly.

“Lordswood bowled very well and ended up bowling us all out for 176, falling just short.

“It was a little bit gutting. But on the flipside of that, we did manage to get ourselves seven bonus points, so that’s a positive to take out of the day.

“I don’t think many teams will go to Lordswood and get seven points. We’re happy with the points we got but just gutted with the result.”

Chapman is set to have an extended spell in charge of the squad, with club captain Jan Gray (wrist) out injured.

Chapman said: “Obviously, I’ve done a fair amount of skippering anyway through the last few seasons.

“I used to do the National Cup games on Sundays, so I’ve had experience with that.

“We’re gutted to not have Janny there. He’ll be a real miss.”

Sandwich will host Blackheath - who started their league campaign with a defeat to Minster - this Saturday.

Sandwich Town 2nds were edged out at home against Dartford 2nds in Division 4.