On a Saturday with weather conditions almost perfect for cricket, Hayes remained unbeaten after week six of the Kent League Premier Division.
They won the toss and fielded against Bickley Park, a choice that was vindicated as they hustled out their opposition for just 60. Former Kent second eleven bowler, Will MacVicar helped himself for 6 for 31 and only Ranjit Singh with 21 made it into double figures for Bickley.
It took Hayes just eleven overs and one ball to reach their target for the loss of three wickets, and cement their position at the top of the table.
Sandwich Town won the toss and batted first at home to Tunbridge Wells but struggled to build momentum in the face of accurate bowling. Alex Smith scored 45 and Tom Burnap 39 but the hosts were bowled out for 174. Matthew Barker took 3 for 28 and Ryan O’Beirne 3 for 36.
Sam Smith scored 56 to lead the run chase, supported by a patient 33 by Kent’s Marcus O’Reardon as the visitors eased their way home with fifteen balls and four wickets to spare. The eighteen points claimed allowed them to leapfrog the hosts into second place.
Minster now sit in third place in the table. An unbeaten century by James Thompson supported by 68 from Aron Nijjar guided them to 251 for 5 after winning the toss and choosing to bat at Blackheath.
Although Ross Richardson scored 59, Charlie-Sid Speller 40, and Mahi Mahfuzul 30 in the response, the target was too great and Blackheath were dismissed for 184. Joseph Perry continued his good early season form with 4 for 42 and Greg Lamb took 3 for 32.
Aiden Griggs scored his first Kent Premier League century as Bexley, having won the toss, racked up 278-6 at Sevenoaks Vine. Griggs was finally removed for 107, Calum Basey scored 66, and Shaun Evans 55. James Carslaw was the most successful bowler with 3 for 49.
Despite Luke Schlemmer’s 75, the hosts were always behind the required run rate, and finished 61 runs shy on 217 for 9 with the wickets shared.
After five straight losses, Beckenham claimed their first victory of the season at home to Lordswood. The visitors won the toss and elected to bat, but were reduced to 173 for 9. Opener Bradley Goldsack scored 63 before being seventh out, run out, but he could not find anyone to stay with him. Wickets were shared with three bowlers taking two each.
Nick Rigg played the anchor role in the response and his 76 not out, supported by 31 by Ross Piller, helped see the hosts home with three wickets in hand and over three overs to spare. Despite the victory, Beckenham still remain bottom, but within touch of the safety zone.
Pictures supplied by Keith Gillard.