James Marriott pulls a ball during his knock of 56 against Folkestone

Batsmen were on top in the Shepherd Neame Kent League Division 1 game between The Mote and Folkestone, which produced 489 runs for the loss of just six wickets.

A third-wicket stand of 145 between Dan Thirkell (77 not out) and James Hodgson (73) enabled The Mote to make 277-3 from their 50 overs, but then Joshua Bryen (85 not out), David Miles (46) and Dan Clark (45 not out) found run-scoring equally straightforward as Folkestone replied with 212-3.

It was a similar story for The Mote 2nds against Gore Court in the Premier Division 2nd XI, but their failure to win meant that Blackheath leapfrogged them into top place in the table by beating Lordswood.

Addington Village retained their slim lead at the top of Division 4 with a six-wicket success over bottom club Ashford Town 3rds.

Skipper Neil Scott, who is now usurping his early-season batting feats with some impressive bowling displays, claimed 5-22 from 11 overs and with Matt Bruton chipping in with 3-24 Ashford were dismissed for 91.

Addington then coasted to their target in 26.5 overs to remain one point in front of Old Elthamians.

For all the local cricket see this week's Messenger