Hartley maintain winning streak

Hartley Country Club might be new to the Shepherd Neame Kent Premier Cricket League but there are no signs of debutant nerves as they continued their winning streak with a five-wicket win over bottom of the table Lordswood.

The bowling attack of Martin Saggers and Min Patel proved much too powerful for the visitors in a contest that proved uneven at the outset.

Only Zimbabwean Craig Ervine, brother of Hampshire's Sean, put up any resistance though, after playing himself in, he was trapped leg before for 30 by Patel who finished with 3-28.

Saggers made regular breakthroughs to claim 5-26 from 13.4 overs and Lordswood stumbled to 125 all out in 48.4 overs.

Martin Saggers took 5-26 for Hartley CC © Getty Images

Kevin Masters raised hopes of a defiant response when he struck three times in quick succession but by then Hartley opener James Hockley had been and gone, leaving behind a solid 73-run platform and Hartley cruised past the finish post in the 24th over with five wickets still intact.

Beckenham and Sydenham found some form with the bat posting 272 for five against Bromley, skipper Chris Isles leading the way with 83 and James Goodman supporting well with 58.

At 50 for seven after 20 overs Bromley appeared to be heading for defeat but an unbeaten 87 from Matthew Walker, well supported by Rob Dummer and then Alan Stickells steered Bromley to 185 for eight at the close, and a well-fought draw.

At the Nevill Ground, a half-century by Alex Williams helped Tunbridge Wells to a modest total of 167 following a fine spell of bowling from Leon Johnson of Sandwich who claimed 5-43.

Sandwich found this target too high ending on 101 all out, with both Mark Smith and Quentin Ferreira taking four wickets apiece for Tunbridge Wells.

Aaron Alley was man of the match at Blackheath. He took 6-13 as Gore Court collapsed to 69 all out, chasing 188 posted by second-placed Blackheath.

Gore Court are now one point behind Blackheath who trail hartley by 13 points.