There was no change at the top of the Kent Cricket League Premier Division table with the leading four clubs all winning comfortably in week thirteen.
Despite the best efforts of Leo Carter, leaders Bexley trounced Holmesdale after Adam Riley won the toss and elected to bat first. Calum Basey scored 49 out of the first 69 runs scored before George Haley scored 66, his highest score of the season. Hugo Burdon added 30 but Bexley were held to 225 for 9 as Carter claimed 5 for 39 and Callum Gallagher 3 for 55.
Although Carter scored 47, only one other player reached double figures as the visitors slumped to 92 all out. Riley returned 4 for 30.
Lordswood, in second place, visited Blackheath where they were invited to bat first. Linden Lockhart scored 58, after which captain Calum MacLeod crashed 90 from just 63 balls. Edward Taylor added 39 not out from 21 deliveries as the Lords finished on 282 for 7.
When the hosts batted, wickets fell regularly. Brendon Louw scored 31 but Hugh Scott’s 4 for 45 kept them in check and they were bowled out for 161.
Third placed Tunbridge Wells scored the highest total of the day, an imposing 312 for 7 after they had chosen to bat first. In-form wicket-keeper Sam Smith scored 113 in their home game with Sevenoaks Vine. Chris Williams had set them on the way with a rapid 42 and Calvin Johnson scored a run a ball 54. Despite the carnage, Luke Schlemmer returned 3 for 38.
Ben Price gave the visitors hope with 93 from 62 balls but when he fell to Michael Waller, on his way to 3 for 46, nobody else took up the gauntlet. Matthew Barker took 3 for 43 as Sevenoaks were dismissed for 202. Despite the defeat, the bonus points for reaching two hundred took them above Holmesdale at the bottom of the table.
Darren Stevens again starred for fourth placed St Lawrence & Highland Court when they entertained Minster, who were one place lower. After the hosts had been put in, they were in a spot of bother at 42 for 4. Stevens was then joined by Will Hilton who scored 53 in a 100 run partnership. Stevens then let loose before being dismissed for 115, and Matt Hammond crashed 61 not out as they finished on 276 for 6.
In response James Thompson scored 44, Chris Piesley 33, and Max Luckett 31, but none of them went on and the visitors were bowled out for 187. Jamie Hemphrey was the most successful bowler with 3 for 42.
Finally, Sandwich Town eased away from the relegation zone by leap-frogging their guests Hayes. When invited to bat first, opener Gareth Severin scored 67 for the visitors but only Tom Gallagher with 35 built on it. Alex Smith and Harry Bee each claimed 3 for 30 as the innings closed on 189.
Zack Fagg put the hosts well on the way with 53, before fellow opener Kit Keey was dismissed for 31. Rory Smith scored 45 and Ryan Davies 32 as they eased home by five wickets with 8.4 overs to spare. Alfie Peck took the bowling honours with 3 for 33.
Image courtesy of Keith Gillard