There was another change at the top of the Kent Cricket League Premier Division with Bexley taking top spot for the first time this season.

Visiting St Lawrence & Highland Court, Bexley were asked to bat first. Callum Basey, on his return, hit 62 in an opening partnership of 91 with Aiden Griggs, who went on to score 47.

Hugo Burdon added 36 and three other batters scored 20s as the visitors totalled 253 for 8. Teenager Oliver Curtiss was the most successful bowler with 3 for 33.

Although without Darren Stevens, the hosts did have Kent’s current red ball captain Jack Leaning in their line up. He was dismissed with the score on 73 for 3 but John Grewer (50) and Michael Hales (47) kept the hosts hopes alive before Will Hilton hit a quick-fire 55.

However, when he was dismissed in the final over, 30 runs were still required and they finished on 230 for 9.

Having started the day at the summit, Tunbridge Wells visited third placed Lordswood and invited the hosts to bat first. Joe Gordon hit a quick fire 86 and Callum McLeod 44 on their way to 256 for 6 after rain reduced their innings to 44 overs.

Set 261 to win from 44 overs, Sam Smith scored 43 and Michael Waller hit 42 not out in the response but the loss of early wickets was never overcome as Wells were bowled out for 187. Jack Laraman was the most successful bowler, claiming 3 for 38, as Lordswood broke their two game losing streak.

Starting the day in fifth place, Minster knew that a victory over visitors Blackheath would see them climb higher. They chose to field and got off to a fast start removing both openers with just eleven on the board before Ross

Richardson was joined by Tanweer Sikandar. Richardson was dismissed for 46 then Matt Golding added 45. However, Sikandar batted on before being ninth out for 89 as the Heath finished on 219 all out. Max Luckett claimed 3 for 29.

Although Aron Nijjar scored 56, nobody else reached thirty as the team from Sheppey were bowled out for 188. Jas Bassan ended with 3 for 32.

Sixth placed Sandwich Town also eyed the top half of the table when they hosted Holmesdale. In a rain affected match, they put their visitors in first and the bottom placed team amassed an impressive 258 for 7 from 40 overs.

Anthony Bissett top scored with 74 not out from 59 deliveries supported by Rupert Harbig (45 from 35) and Will McDowell (38 from 28). Zack Fagg claimed 3 for 45.

Only Tom Burnap (45) and Ryan Davies (38) put up resistance as Sandwich were dismissed for 138 with Mike Bryant returning 3 for 20.

In the remaining fixture reigning champions Hayes visited Sevenoaks Vine and, after losing the toss, batted first. Alex Blake’s all round performance, in another rain affected game, started with 85 runs from 63 balls after Grant Severin had scored 58. Although Chris Vernon claimed 3 for 49, Hayes finished on 256 for 6 from their 45 overs.

A revised target of 269 from 45 overs was the requirement. Luke Schlemmer scored 94, James Logan 46 and Michael Cowdrey 40 as the Vine attempted to chase it down but Blake’s 3 for 40 and Will MacVicar’s 3 for 54 kept them in check as they finished on 235 for 8.

Just nine points separate the top three clubs, while there is also intrigue at the other end of the table with eight games remaining.

Picture supplied by Keith Gillard.