There was a surprise result, a last over victory, and a come-back in week eleven of the Kent Premier Division.
League leaders Minster visited Bexley, who started the day just three points above the relegation zone, with high hopes of increasing their lead before suffering an unexpected heavy defeat. The hosts won the toss and elected to bat. Varun Anand justified his recent promotion to the first team with a well crafted 77 before captain Matt Stiddard hit a sparkling 84 from 85 balls. Despite Daniel Masters claiming 4 for 34, Bexley racked up an impressive 257 for 7.
Then the hosts turned to spin. Adam Riley took the new ball and claimed 3 for 22 before Freddie Foster rattled through the lower order with 4 for 22 as Minster were hustled out for 103.
Second placed Hayes took full advantage with a comprehensive win at Tunbridge Wells. Having been asked to bat first the hosts were bundled out for just 72 with Stuart Eddicott claiming 4 for 17 and Alfie Peck 4 for 22.
Twenty overs was all that the visitors needed to take the win by six wickets, Alex Blake finishing it with a six when the scores were level.
Chasing a competitive score, St Lawrence & Highland Court eased into third place by winning their derby game against Canterbury who opted to bat first. Ben Marsh scored 50, Fred Sharp 47 and Anthony Mosca 37 as they reached 234 for 7.
Will Hilton top scored with 51 in the response, Jason Sangha hit a quick 37 and Matt Hammond 33. However, there was still work to be done, and they went into the final over needing five to win with three wickets in hand. Will Grewar’s four off the first ball, and single off the second saw them through as he ended on 34 not out.
Victory for Lordswood in a low scoring game at home to Bickley Park eased them into fourth place. The hosts elected to bat first but were bowled out for 120 in just 33 overs and one ball. Ismail Baharami took 5 for 38 and Elliot Hooper 3 for 10.
From 37 for 2, Bickley crashed to 113 all out losing by seven runs. Jack Laraman claimed 4 for 11 and Thando Ntini 3 for 31.
In the remaining match, hosts Blackheath were asked to field first by Sandwich Town and bowled their guests out for 181. Rory Smith top scored with 67 and Roshan Jayatissa scored 51. Kent bowler Arafat Bhuiyan returned figures of 5 for 40.
Smith followed up with 5 for 17 from his ten overs as the hosts were reduced to 46 for 5 but an unbroken partnership of 137 between Matthew Golding (78 not out), and Siraj Sajid (49 not out) saw them through to what had seemed an unlikely victory, reaching their target with eleven balls to spare.
Images courtesy of Keith Gillard