The Mote's Tom Harvey faces Bexley's Jason Ben during the sides drawn Kent League Premier Division clash on Saturday. Picture: Steve Crispe

by Adam Williams

Blackheath hold a two-point lead at the top of the Shepherd Neame Kent League Premier Division following a 97-run win at home to Bickley Park.

Alex Senn’s 78 helped the hosts amass 233-7 in their 55 overs. Warren Lee finished unbeaten on 57 and Zobie Sharif set the tone at the top of the order with 35. Richard Horner’s 3-73 made him the pick of the Bickley bowlers.

Ivan Thomas then sparked a middle-order collapse, claiming 4-38. Barry Hooper (30) was the only batsmen to show any resistance as the visitors were bowled out for 136.

Chris Vernon’s 119 ensured Lordswood stayed second with a 57-run win at Bromley. Vernon struck 15 fours and a six in his 150-ball stay, anchoring the innings to 228-9.

In reply, John Williams (4-28) and Matt Greenwood (3-45) ripped through the top order to leave Bromley in strife at 62-6. Captain James Butterfill (47) was the only batsmen to offer any hope of a successful run chase before the hosts were eventually dismissed for 171.

Third-placed Bexley were denied by a stubborn last pair in a winning draw at The Mote. Adam Ball (72) and Greg Bain (66) helped Bexley rack up 274-8 while Tom Harvey (4-56) spearheaded The Mote’s bowlers.

Glen Aukett and Kenny George clung on to secure the draw as The Mote replied with 199-9. Kent spinner Adam Riley grabbed 3-56 and Henry Pickering accounted for the top three with 3-31.

Hartley recorded their first win of the season chasing down 242 in a six-wicket success at home to Tunbridge Wells. Charlie Hemphrey’s commanding 105 included 10 fours and four sixes. He found support from Kent prospect Sam Billings (89) in a 158-run partnership for the third wicket.

Earlier, James Hockley claimed 5-38 to bowl the visitors out for 241. Chris Williams (71) and Alex Williams (68) the top scorers for Tunbridge Wells.

Sevenoaks Vine chased down 256 to secure a five-wicket win at Sibton Park. John Bowden (75) and Lorne Burns (55 not out) got the visitors over the line with an over to spare. Earlier, Karl Pearson (5-56) restricted Sibton Park’s innings to 255-9 as Steve Hickmott top scored with 50.