There was end of season drama as Blackheath pipped Minster to the Kent Cricket League Premier Division title.

It had been the team from Sheppey’s title to lose but four defeats and a no result in their last five matches, combined with the Heath having not lost since mid-July, meant that the most northerly team in the division claimed the championship.

At home to St. Lawrence and Highfield Court, Minster asked the visitors to bat first and they recovered from 51 for 5 to finish on 184 for 9. John Grewar accumulated 67 not out, and Joseph Eves scored 37. Bill Prideaux claimed 3 for 47.

James Thompson scored 30 for the hosts but they were dismissed for 148 with Thomas Copestake returning 3 for 28.

That opened the door for Blackheath who were asked to bat first at home to Tunbridge Wells. They found run scoring difficult despite Charlie Sid-Speller’s captain’s innings of 56. Kent’s Marcus O’Riordan took 3 for 26 and Dileepa Jayalath 3 for 30 as the hosts were bowled out for 136.

Australian Riley Ayre took 3 for 15 in ten overs as the visitors were dismissed for 106 meaning that Blackheath won by 30 runs to start the championship celebrations.

Different drama took place when the two relegated teams met with avoiding bottom spot at stake. Canterbury asked visitors Bickley Park to bat first. Cam Hawkins top scored with 38, Seb Naylor scored 35 and Michael Ridley finished on 35 not out as they were bowled out for 169. Syan Bulathsinhala took 4 for 27 and Jarred Lysaught 3 for 51.

Bulathsinhala then scored 47 not out before running out of partners after Anthony Mosca had scored 45. Elliott Hooper returned 5 for 27 and Jason Ben 3 for 37 as the hosts were also bowled out for 169. The final wicket proved crucial as the visitors avoided coming last by just one point. The two teams will be replaced next season by Bromley and Holmesdale.

No play was possible between Hayes and Lordswood so they took nine points each and the only other game that took place was a one sided affair between Bexley and Sandwich Town. The hosts elected to bat first and scored 242. Aiden Griggs top scored with 77 and Ellis Daly added 57 against a team who used all eleven players to bowl. Harry Bee was the pick of them with 3 for 24.

Five Sandwich players were out for ducks as they were dismissed for just 72. Fraser McWhinnie was the most successful bowler with season best figures of 4 for 32.

Images courtesy of Keith Gillard