Tense time for Tunbridge

Tunbridge Wells retained the top spot in the Kent Premier League by ten points, following a tense chase at Sevenoaks Vine.

The visitors invited their hosts to bat in grey overhead conditions. The Vine started steadily reaching 100 for the loss of one wicket when a middle order collapse began, reducing them to 117 for six.

Alex Rayner, 40 and James Day 37 repaired some damage, but their final total of 208 for nine would prove hard to defend. Tunbridge Wells made heavy weather of the chase early on and at 89 for five had everything to do.

However Mark Alexander dug in and when he was dismissed for 74, Tunbridge Wells still required 51 from ten overs with just three wickets remaining.

The experienced Simon Routh hit an unbeaten run-a-ball 31 to see them home with just two balls to spare.

Bromley, in second place, and with a game in hand made light work of Gore Court.

The 123 posted by Gore Court would not be enough to test the Bromley batting line up, as was proven as they romped home for the loss of just three wickets.

The Bromley bowlers shared the spoils with Matt Dennington and Tom Mees proving hard to get away as wickets fell regularly.

A little resistance from Chris Piesley, 42, was not enough. Just over 21 overs later, with James Butterfill 58 not out, Bromley took the points with former NZ international Chris Harris not even required with the bat!

Bickley Park inflicted yet more damage on a struggling Beckenham side. Despite a magnificent 97 by skipper Chris Isles, he had little support and 162 never looked enough.

James Lincoln with 4-48 did the most damage for Bickley. Lincoln also featured strongly with the bat, his unbeaten 57, together with 45 from Paul Clinton and 45 not out from Richard Clinton, ensuring Bickley strolled to victory by an 8 wicket margin.

An inspired spell of 4-18 by Charlie Hemphrey reduced Blackheath to a disappointing total of 136 against St Lawrence and with Dan Stickles knocking 61, St Lawrence raced home by six wickets.

Hartley amassed a commanding total of 271 against Bexley, who never looked likely to threaten and for the second week running and settled for a losing draw, reaching 181 for eight at the close.