Hartley's David Thompson defends against Canterbury Picture: Chris Davey

Sevenoaks Vine are the new pacesetters in the Shepherd Neame Kent League Premier Division after their 75-run victory over previous leaders Blackheath on Saturday.

After electing to bat first at the Rectory Field, Sevenoaks scored 234-7 in their 55 overs with Anthony Shales top scoring on 86. Blackheath then produced a below-par performance with the bat, with the exception of Faisal Shahid (73), as they were dismissed for 159. Vine skipper Karl Pearson took 4-26 to help his side open up a 14-point lead at the top.

Bexley are in third place, two points behind Blackheath, after sweeping Beckenham aside by eight wickets at Manor Way. Young Kent spinner Adam Riley claimed 4-47 to help restrict Beckenham to 181-7 and opener Greg Bain then hit a fine unbeaten 113 to lead Bexley to victory with 10 overs to spare.

After losing three games to the weather so far, Hartley Country Club are beginning to build up a head of steam as they moved into fourth place with a seven-wicket success over Canterbury at Polo Farm.

The home side, bottom of the table, were bowled out for 119 with only skipper Paul Steer (66) showing any resistance and Charlie Hemphrey (60 not out) ensured Hartley wrapped up their second successive victory without any undue alarms.

Bromley's poor start to the season continued with a two-wicket defeat at home to Lordswood. Richard Clinton (51) was the chief contributor to Bromley's 180-6, a target which Lordswood reached with eight balls to spare thanks to an unbeaten 51 from Amjad Khan.

Bickley Park achieved a 52-run victory in a low scoring game at home to Tunbridge Wells. Struggling on 93-6 at one stage, Bickley recovered to 151 all out and then their overseas player Nayan Doshi destroyed the Wells middle and lower order, taking 7-29 as the visitors were bowled out for 99.