Victory in a high scoring game kept St Lawrence & Highfield Court at the peak of the Kent League Premier Division.
They were the only team playing away not to win the toss on a day when all of the successful captains elected to bat first. Brad Hope with 101 at a run a ball, Luke Schlemmer, 74, Ben Compton, 47. and Harry Bevan-Thomas, 31, combined to post a competitive 294 for 6 for the Vine.
It was then time for another Darren Stevens show. While Fred Sharp played the anchor role 87 not out, Matt Hammond scored 53 at more than a run a ball. However, at 82 for 3, the hosts were still well in it before Stevens came in. He walloped 129 from 73 balls which included eight fours and twelve sixes. When he fell, the Shrimpers’ target was close and they cruised home by six wickets with six overs and a ball to spare.
Second placed Hayes were also involved in a high scoring match but they didn’t fare so well. They hosted Tunbridge Wells and spent fifty overs chasing leather. Chris Williams whacked 117 from 83 balls and his brother Alex scored 90. Michael Waller added 45 not out and Ollie Morgan 36 as the visitors racked up 342 for 7. Amongst the carnage, Aaron Burrage returned 3 for 64.
Although Will MacVicar scored 114, and Will Harby 65, Chris Williams (3 for 47) and Waller (3 for 58) took wickets at good stages and Hayes were bowled out 34 runs short.
When Blackheath hosted Lordswood it was an entirely different type of game. Only one payer reached double figures as the Lords were bowled out for 60 with Arafat Bhuiyan returned 4 for 29.
Two golden ducks didn’t help in the Heath’s reply and they lost five wickets before reaching their target in twenty overs. Henry Dunlop was the most successful bowler with 3 for 26.
Holding on to fourth place, Bromley timed their run chase well at home to Whitstable. Byron Gould crashed 94 off 72 balls and Jaydn Denly scored 87 before the visitors were bowled out for 260. Marcus Lilley took 3 for 48 and Archie Ramanathan 3 for 75.
Fred Wilson scored 99 and Sean Thompson 49 as the hosts claimed the eighteen points when winning by five wickets with seven balls to spare.
Finally, in another low scoring game, Bexley bounced back after two heavy defeats to trounce visitors Minster. The team from Sheppey slumped to 4 for 3 and were dismissed for 95. Jas Singh’s pace helped him claim 4 for 31 and Jamie Batten returned 3 for 15.
Calum Basey scored 30 and George Haley 30 not out as Bexley reached their target in under twenty overs to win by nine wickets as the visitors returned home pointless.
Images courtesy of Keith Gillard