For the second week in a row Kent Cricket League Premier Division leaders, Minster, were defeated by the team at the bottom of the league.
Seven days earlier, Bickley Park beat them to climb off the bottom at the expense of Canterbury and on Saturday they lost to the new basement club. Despite the two defeats, Minster are still in a strong position as the clubs who started the day in second and third also lost.
It all looked good for the champions elect, playing at home, when they bowled Canterbury out for 149 after they had chosen to bat first. Nobody reached thirty and they even lost one wicket in unusual circumstances for obstructing the field. Wickets were shared with three bowlers taking two.
They found themselves in immediate strife with a run out off the first ball of the innings and were in dire straits at 21 for 5. Sam Mills took three of the wickets, ending with 3 for 18. Anthony Mosca then weighed in with 3 for 24 as the hosts stumbled to 98 all out.
Second placed St Lawrence & Highland Court visited Tunbridge Wells and elected to bat first but they also found run scoring difficult. Matt Barker claimed 5 for 28 and Freddie Freeman 3 for 29 as they were bowled out for just 94.
Sahil Shah scored 30 in an opening stand of 53 as the hosts cruised to an eight wicket win in just 17.3 overs.
Having returned to winning ways last week, Hayes hosted Sandwich Town and opted to bat first. However, they also found batting perilous and had no answer to Alex Smith who took 4 for 10 from ten overs. Like St Lawrence, they were bowled out for 94.
Roshan Jayatissa went on the attack and scored 30 at faster than a run a ball. Despite Alfie Peck’s 3 for 37, the visitors eased their way to victory by seven wickets with nearly thirty overs to spare.
In a local derby, Blackheath entertained Bickley Park and were invited to bat first. Kent’s Daniel Bell-Drummond opened and scored a brilliant 159 from 131 deliveries. George Wells added 56 and Matthew Golding as the Heath’s innings closed on 336 for 6.
Although Safwaan Imitiaz scored 51 and Michael Mitchell 31 in a partnership of 94, no other Bickley batter scored double figures as they were dismissed for 140. Tom Foster helped himself to 3 for 12 as his side moved into second place in the table.
Finally, Bexley welcomed Lordswood to Manor Way. The hosts won the toss and batted but too many got themselves in and out without going on. Matt Stiddard top scored with 36 and Adam Riley finished on 30 not out. Their innings closed on 173 for 9 with Hugh Scott taking 4 for 35.
After losing two early wickets, Bradley Goldsack, 83 not out, and former Bexley player Callum McLeod 55, put on 114 for the third wicket. The Lords eventually reached their target for the loss of five wickets with over six overs to spare.
Three weeks remain in the season, and with Minster 21 points clear, two wins in their last three would guarantee them the title even if Blackheath won all three of their remaining matches.
At the other end of the table, Bickley Park and Canterbury will continue to fight to avoid the drop. Sandwich Town will continue to look over their shoulders while Lordswood, Bexley and Tunbridge Wells probably need one more win to ensure their safety.
Images courtesy of Keith Gillard