There was an interruption to St Lawrence & Highfield Court’s march to the Kent League Premier Division title when their match at Minster was abandoned due to a sub standard pitch.
Having invited the hosts to field, they had them at 129 for 6 in the 27th over when the game was halted by the umpires with Chris Piesley unbeaten on 30. Haider Zaidi had scored 34 earlier. At present, the teams are showing as having nine points each but that may change when the league have concluded their investigations.
That left the door ajar for Hayes, at least temporarily, and they took full advantage after being asked to bat first by visitors Whitstable. Finnan Bryan struck 107, Alex Blake 54, and Will Harby 37 as they finished on 275 for 8.
At 94 for 6, Whitstable looked set for a heavy defeat despite Harry Fulton’s 32 but Scott Dale’s 48 and 44 not out by Henry Goss ensured they reached 226 for 8, and a bonus point that could be crucial at the end of the season.
While Hayes made the most of their opportunity, Blackheath lost ground when they were beaten at Sevenoaks Vine after electing to bat first. Niaz Khan top scored with 43 after George Wells had struck 34 but Luke Schlemmer’s 3 for 43 helped to peg them back to 202 all out.
Ben Compton scored 76 and Schlemmer 59 as the Vine cruised home by five wickets at the start of the 43rd over.
Mid-table Bromley chose to chase at home to Tunbridge Wells and the visitors scored 233 for 6. Ollie Morgan scored 111 and Danru Ferns 50 not out.
After looking in trouble at 36 for 3, Oliver Butterfill (87) and Ryan Cartwright, with 75 not out, steadied the innings and led their team to a well paced five wicket victory with four deliveries to spare.
Finally, Lordswood claimed just their second league victory of the season after winning the toss and batting first. Calum MacLeod top scored with 62 against his former club, Owen Palmer crashed 55 at greater than a run a ball, and Hugh Scott struck 41 as they finished on 259 for 8.
Calum Basey gave the hosts a great start with 49 from 31 balls, Matt Stiddard scored 48, and Ben Aldred 34 but Lewis Dale took 4 for 48 and Connor Dale 3 for 25 as Bexley were bowled out for 219.
Image courtesy of Keith Gillard