Blackheath openers make Bexley pay

Paul hit 55 before he was finally caught by Jimmy Peirson to leave Blackheath on 128-1, a tally which had risen to 187-2 when Willetts (85) went LBW off the delivery of George Wells (2-49).

Bexley were struggling to deal with the hosts and by the time Aiden Blizzard (79) was caught by Wells, Blackheath were in complete command on 258-3, eventually reaching 299-7 from the allotted 55 overs.

An early exit for Peirson (6) did little to inspire confidence the visitors and one-time league leaders would be able to reach the target set by the home side.

Wells (7) was the next to head back to the pavilion, the first of five victims for Warren Lee (5-21).

The final three of Harry Furze, Maruf Chowdhury and Jason Benn all went for nought as Bexley were dismissed for 109.

Hartley (163-9) maintained their lead at the top of the table with a one-wicket success at Lordswood (162), which was achieved with three overs to spare.

Charlie Hemphrey (4-47) and Jack Laraman (3-20) both enjoyed profitable bowling spells for the Gravesham side, with James Thompson (59no) top scoring.

Daniel Magin’s 100 not out lifted Bickley Park (246-6) up to second spot after a 57-run derby triumph at Beckenham (189).

Bickley lost their sixth and final wicket, James Watson (40), to leave them on 119-6 before Magin and Phil Browning (35no) combined well for what proved to be a winning partnership.

Browning (3-47) and Nayan Dashi (3-45) took a trio of wickets apiece, although it was Barry Hooper (2-48) who claimed the decisive final one of Waheed Ali (0) to ensure Beckenham were all out with just one over remaining.

Wayne Morgan weighed in with 126 runs as Bromley (311-8) moved off the foot of the table thanks to a welcome 90-run victory at Whitstable (221).

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