A superb century from Kent youngster Sam Billings steered Hartley Country Club to a thrilling one-wicket victory over Lordswood in the Shepherd Neame Kent League Premier Division on Saturday.

After dismissing third-placed Lordswood for 216, Billings and fellow opener Dan Stickels figured in a stand of 129 for the first wicket. But Stickels' departure signalled a dramatic collapse as the home side slid to 149-7, due mainly to a terrific spell from Amjad Khan who claimed 6-43, including a hat-trick.

Billings (pictured), however, marshalled the tail cleverly, finishing unbeaten on 106 to lead Hartley home with five balls to spare.

All the top three teams lost at the weekend. Leaders Sevenoaks Vine went down by seven wickets at Bromley, where an unbeaten century from Richard Clinton proved decisive. Sevenoaks made 189-9 batting first, with Wayne Morgan taking 5-38, and then Clinton (101 not out) and Miguel Barbosa (55) steered Bromley to only their second win of the season.

Second-placed Blackheath missed the opportunity to take over from Sevenoaks at the top as they went down to a six-wicket defeat at home to Tunbridge Wells.

They looked well placed for victory, however, after setting a target of 276-2, thanks mainly to an impressive 136 from Craig Wood. But the Wells openers had other ideas, with Alex Williams (123) and Gregor Patterson (108 not out) putting on 215 for the first wicket to lead their side to victory.

On a day of upsets, bottom-club Canterbury cruised to a 10-wicket success over fourth-placed Bexley. Ryan Minter produced career best figures of 7-38 as Bexley were whipped out for just 88 and then Dominic Chambers (45) and James Lilley (41) saw Canterbury home without loss.

The final game at Bickley Park saw the home side defeat Beckenham by six wickets. Asked to bat first on a wicket offering the bowlers some assistance, Beckenham were removed for 113 and then skipper Chris Coulson (33) guided his side to victory.