Bexley remain top of the Shepherd Neame Kent League Premier Division after their 43-run victory over Whitstable on Saturday.

Whitstable skipper Liam Tegg invited Bexley to bat and saw the hosts set a target of 235-9 thanks to useful contributions from George Wells (61), Adam Ball (59) and Sandeep Bains (50).

Max Campbell, Whitstable’s most successful bowler with 4-63, was also in form with the bat, top scoring with 72. But Jason Benn and Maruf Chowdhury claimed three wickets each as the visitors were bowled out for 192.

Hartley Country Club continue to breathe down Bexley’s neck in second place after beating bottom-of-the-table Bromley by 72 runs.

Kent player Sam Billings hit a sparkling unbeaten 124 and he was well supported by James Hockley (74) and James Thompson (55) as Hartley scored 295-5 from their 50 overs.

Despite a stubborn 48 from Charlie Walker, Bromley were never really in the hunt and were eventually dismissed for 223, with Charlie Hemphrey picking up 3-43.

Hartley are now 15 points clear of third-placed Sibton Park after the Lyminge side suffered an 81-run defeat at home to Beckenham.

Chris Isles led the way with 67 as Beckenham were dismissed for 218, with Steven Rowe and Michael James both taking three wickets for Park. Brent Arnel also claimed three wickets for Beckenham as Park slumped to 137 all out in reply.

Bickley Park also secured 20 points with a 32-run success at Sevenoaks Vine. Invited to bat first, Park made 216-8 with skipper Karl Pearson taking 4-36 for Vine.

The Sevenoaks side made a good start in reply, reaching 70 without loss but paceman Dan Magin changed the game, claiming 5-55 as Vine were dismissed for 184 despite a half century from Oliver Durrel.

In the day’s other game, Lordswood secured a five-wicket victory at Blackheath,
Chris Willets (60) was the main contributor to Blackheath’s total of 214-8 and Chris Piesley (80) then led Lords’ victory charge as they reached their target with six overs in hand.