Hartley Country Club’s successful defence of their Shepherd Neame Kent League cricket title has come as no surprise to chairman John Tucker.

A member of the club for over 60 years, 75-year-old Mr Tucker said: “This is definitely the strongest team we’ve ever had during my time here. We’ve had talented individuals before but we’ve never had a team with so much depth of quality, especially in the batting.”

Hartley wrapped up their third Premier Division title triumph in five years with a five-wicket victory over second-placed Sevenoaks Vine on Saturday in a match which was reduced to 20-overs-per side because of rain.

Chasing a target of 142-5, Hartley were led home by a quickfire 28 from former Kent player James Hockley, who has hit three league centuries this summer as part of a formidable batting line-up which also includes current Kent players Sam Billings (pictured) and Matt Coles.

Mr Tucker, who played for Hartley for 25 years before serving as club umpire for the same length of time, added: “At full strength we could reverse the top seven in the batting order and you would hardly notice the difference. It’s impressive.

“Sam Billings came through the junior ranks at the club and he persuaded Matt Coles to come and play for us and it’s encouraging for the near 100 juniors we’ve got at the club to have two current Kent players here. And we’ve also got Sam Weller, our opening bowler, who is a member of the Kent Academy.”

And Mr Tucker is hoping the 1st team will be able to finish their campaign with a flourish in Saturday’s final match at Lordswood.

He added: “The boys have worked hard this season and we are all thrilled to have won the title again.”