Bexley beat Kent Cricket League Premier Division leaders Tunbridge Wells by one wicket; Sandwich Town, Sevenoaks Vine, Minster and St Lawrence & Highland Court also win

A high-scoring game saw Bexley edge to a one-wicket win at home to Kent League Premier Division leaders Tunbridge Wells on Saturday.

Centuries from wicketkeeper Sam Smith (109) and opener Chris Williams (104) saw the visitors total 298-7 from their 50-over allocation with Shaun Evans (2-52), Harry Dowling (2-54) and Ahmed Jamal (2-57) among the wickets.

A 74-ball Hugo Burdon 90 led Bexley’s chase while opener Aiden Griggs (75) was also in the runs before captain Matthew Stiddard (58 not out) and Dowling (4 not out) saw third-placed Bexley home with seven balls to spare.

Matthew Barker’s 2-55 saw him finish as Wells’ best bowler.

All-rounder Darren Stevens again inspired St Lawrence & Highland Court to victory, as they beat reigning champions Hayes.

His unbeaten 129 guided the hosts to 273-9 after a 61-run opening stand between skipper Matt Hammond, 34 off 19 balls, and Charley Nash’s 24-ball 26 which had set the early tempo.

Australian overseas Jack Heuston (3-58) was then the pick of their bowlers with Hayes finishing on 254-8 despite contributions by wicketkeeper Gareth Severin (72) and Finlay Baker (55) while Liam Buttery ended 42 not out.

Sandwich Town skipper Jan Gray was in fine form as they beat Blackheath by seven wickets.

He claimed figures of 7-39 from his 10 overs to limit the home side to 217 all out despite half-centuries by Tanweer Sikandar (58) and captain Ross Richardson (86).

A 109-ball 113 by Ben Chapman then led the way while Rory Smith (77 not out) also ensured Sandwich got over the line in the 40th over.

Minster earned an eight-wicket win against second-placed Lordswood.

The visitors posted 194 all out in the 43rd over, largely thanks to captain Calum MacLeod’s 84. Daniel Masters (3-34) was the best