Kent Cricket League Premier Division leaders Minster, St Lawrence & Highland Court, Tunbridge Wells, Hayes and Blackheath victorious

It remained as you were at the top of the Kent League Premier Division on Saturday.

Leaders Minster thumped Bickley Park by 174 runs at home.

Opening batsman Dan Stickels - blasted 125 from just 89 balls in leaders Minster’s weekend win over Bickley Park. Picture: Keith Gillard
Haider Zaidi - returned figures of 5-25 for Minster. Picture: Keith Gillard

A Dan Stickels century led them on their way to 354-6 from 50 overs with 125 runs from 89 balls.

He was supported by captain Dave Masters (68) during a 202-run first-wicket stand while Kai Appleby blasted an unbeaten 71 off 46 balls. Elliot Hooper (2-56) and Ismail Baharami (2-91) got among the wickets for Park.

The visitors were all out for 180 despite Seb Naylor blasting 49 from 46 balls. Haider Zaidi returned figures of 5-28 for Minster.

Second-placed St Lawrence & Highland Court remain level on points with the frontrunners as they secured a 46-run victory at Bexley.

Australian overseas all-rounder Jason Sangha (84) guided the away side towards 208 all out.

Will Hilton - shared a 64-run partnership with Australian overseas all-rounder Jason Sangha in St Lawrence & Highland Court’s 46-run victory at Bexley. Picture: Gary Restall

He put on 64 runs with Will Hilton (29) while Ben Mills was unbeaten on 28 at the end of their innings. Ahmed Jamal returned 5-25 for the hosts.

Bexley opening batsman Ben Aldred got their reply off to a great start with 39 off 31 balls. But they were limited to 162 all out in the 47th over, with Ben Trott (4-18) to the fore.

Defending champions Lordswood are now 14 points adrift, having lost at Blackheath.

Riley Ayre helped the hosts post 235-9 from 50 overs as he struck 86. Adeel Hussain (3-38) bowled well for the Medway side.

An unbeaten 70 from captain Calum MacLeod wasn’t enough for Lordswood, who were skittled for 153 in the 40th. Jahid Ahmed (4-21) sparkled and was well-supported by Kent bowler Arafat Bhuiyan (2-37).

Captain Calum MacLeod - his unbeaten 70 was in vain during Lordswood’s 82-run loss at Blackheath. Picture: Allen Hollands

In a clash between the division’s bottom two teams, new basement boys Sandwich Town went down at Tunbridge Wells.

The home team totalled 294-6 from their 50 overs, largely thanks to half-centuries from Alex Williams (78) and opening batsman Ben Dawkins (66 from 39 balls). Zack Fagg (2-48), the returning William Thurgate (2-54) and Harry Bee (2-68) did well in the field.

But Sandwich were restricted to 192 all out in response. Rory Smith offered hope with a fine 85, only for Sam Huggett (4-27) to turn the screw nicely.

Hayes are three points clear of the relegation zone after they were 117-run winners at home against Canterbury.

Former Kent player Alex Blake helped them to 321-6 from 50 overs through an excellent 119 from 66 balls, supported by opening batsman Finnan Bryan’s 85. Cameron Wilshaw (2-48) and Syan Bulathsinhala (2-79) claimed two wickets apiece.

Alex Blake - the former Kent player delivered a fine century to help Hayes beat Canterbury. Picture: Keith Gillard
Rory Smith - his 85 wasn’t enough for Sandwich Town, who are bottom of the division after they were defeated at Tunbridge Wells. Picture: Gary Restall

Canterbury’s reply saw them fall well short despite half-centuries by Bulathsinhala and Jarred Lysaught with 55 not out and 54, respectively.

Opening bowler Alfie Peck (3-41) led the way well for Hayes.