Sandwich Town opener Marnus Labuschagne played his way into the Shepherd Neame Kent Cricket League Premier Division history books on Saturday.

The young Queenslander’s 54 in the 73-run defeat at second-placed Hartley took him to 1,033 runs, the most scored in a season in the competition.

He beat the previous best of 1,012 runs scored by fellow Aussie, former Test batsman Justin Langer, for Dover in 1992.

Earlier, Scott McKechnie top-scored with 73 as Hartley posted 230-9 after Craig Spanton took 3-36.

Labuschagne, Robert Goatham (39) and Liam Evans (23) were the only Sandwich batsmen to reach double figures as their side replied with 157.

The win leaves Hartley four points behind leaders Sevenoaks Vine heading into Saturday’s final round of fixtures.

Vine opener John Bowden hammered 136,including three sixes and 16 fours, as his side won by 52 runs at Bromley.

The home side were all-out for 221 chasing 273-8.

Third-placed Lordswood beat the side already relegated, Bickley Park, by four wickets.

Daniel Masters took 3-22 and Adeel Hussain 3-20 as Bickley Park were dismissed for 112.

Kevin Masters also finished with 2-11, a haul which included him taking his 1,000th wicket for the club.

In reply, Shaun Piesley (68) led Lordswood to 113-6.

Second-bottom Canterbury crashed to a 64-run defeat at home against Bexley.

Matt Stiddard finished unbeaten on 131 as Bexley scored 266-9 after being sent in.

Piers Richardson (34) was one of five home batsmen to reach the 30s before their side finished on 202-9.

In the other game of the round, Beckenham won by seven wickets at Blackheath after chasing 125 all-out.