ALEX Blake’s sterling batting contribution of 141 runs could not prevent Beckenham suffering an eight-wicket home defeat at the hands of Bexley in the Kent Cricket League Premier Division.
The home side looked in a very strong position when William MacVicar (47) was caught by Mehdi Abbas off the delivery of Maruf Chowdhury (2-57) to leave them on 171-2.
By the time Blake was caught by Adam Riley, Beckenham were up to 246-6, adding another five runs to their tally before reaching their allotted 55 overs.
Blake went on to catch Bexley’s only two falling wickets, Jack Wells (47) and George Wells (67).
But with opener Jimmy Peirson still at the crease on 121no, visitors Bexley reached the target with almost nine overs to spare to stay second on the table.
Leaders Hartley (214-8) remain four points clear at the top after defeating Sibton Park (171 all out) by 43 runs.
James Thompson (79) led the way for current KCL champions Hartley, closely followed by Dan Stickels (61), who went LBW.
But it was the bowling skills of Andrew Tutt (6-25) which were to prove decisive, as Sibton Park were dismissed with just under an over remaining.
Blackheath (158) bounced back from their heavy opening day defeat at the hands of Hartley with a welcome 17-run triumph at Sevenoaks Vine (141).
Warren Lee was the man to thank for Blackheath’s success, his 81 runs added to by bowling figures of 3-61.
Wayne Morgan (4-38) helped Bromley (142-8) collect a two-wicket win at home to Lordswood (141).
Bromley wrapped up victory in 46 overs thanks largely to Callum Basey (34), David Smith (24) and James Butterfill (23no).
Whitstable (235-7) secured a winning draw from their meeting with Bickley Park (161-9).
Daniel Magin (3-54) and Phil Browning (3-64) took a trio of wickets each for Bickley, but they never looked like reaching Whitstable’s target.
In Division One, Bromley Common (191-9) suffered a seven-wicket reverse at The Mote (194-3) to leave them just above the drop zone.
Opener Leigh Walker (77) did his best to fire Bromley Common to victory but the only team-mate to also contribute significantly was Jay Mannall (31no), who also took all of The Mote’s wickets with figures of 3-41.
Orpington (138) occupy one of the relegation spots after a 120-run loss at Canterbury (258-4).
Richard de Mel (59no) did his best to keep his side in with a chance but was badly let down by the tailend batsmen, the final three of whom were each dismissed for nought.
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