Weather had a major impact in the Kent League Premier Division for the first time this season in week 6, but it did not stop Minster from going clear at the summit.

They visited Canterbury and were asked to bat first in a shortened match. Chris Piesley hit 66 at greater than a run a ball before Kai Appleby crashed 66 off 35 balls built around a knock of 42 by James Thompson. That allowed the team from Sheppey to amass 264 for 7 from 40 overs. James Lysaught took 3 for 82 from his eight overs.

Bill Prideaux then removed the hosts’ top three in a burst of 3 for 8 off 6 overs. Lysaught (62) and Jarryd Taig (56) put on 102 for the sixth wicket but nobody else reached twenty. Thompson claimed 3 for 36 as Canterbury were bowled out for 194.

At the start of the day St. Lawrence and Highland Court were joint leaders and they elected to field when they entertained Tunbridge Wells. Chis Williams scored 50 from 31 balls, and fellow opener Ben Dawkins 50 from 38 before both we dismissed by Jamie Hemphrey, who finished with 3 for 37. Jason Sangha took 3 for 28 but Michael Waller scored an important 35 not out as the visitors finished on 196 for 8 from 35 overs.

Although Sangha scored 30, wickets fell regularly until Sudesh Thakur scored 68 not out to give the hosts hope. It proved to be insufficient as they finished twelve runs shy on 184 for 8. Waller backed up his batting exploits by taking 3 for 36.

When Hayes were asked to bat first at Sandwich Town, they took full advantage by scoring 202 for 4 from 30 overs. Gareth Severin scored 63 from 47 balls, Will MacVicar hit 51 not out, and Andrew Eddicott was going well before being forced to retire hurt on 42.

Rory Smith scored 59 and Tom Chapman 33 in the reply, but the hosts finished well short on 150 for 6.

Bickley Park were on 83 for 4 from 14 overs at home to Blackheath when heavy rain caused their match to be abandoned and Lordswood v Bexley was called off without a ball being bowled for the same reason.

Images courtesy of Keith Gillard