Relegation strugglers Bexley caused an upset in the Kent Cricket League Premier Division on Saturday with an 80-run victory over league leaders Sevenoaks Vine.

In what was to be a 35-over game due to heavy showers, Sevenoaks skipper Luke Blackaby won the toss and elected to bowl.

The Sevenoaks bowling attack has proved itself to be one of the most consistent and effective in the league, and a couple of wickets apiece for Lorne Burns (2-27) and Nicholas Sale (2-34) put Bexley on the ropes at 94-5.

Jack Bell (50) and George Wells (41) fought back, however, and pushed the hosts up to 188-9.

In reply, Kent and Bexley all-rounder Adam Ball opened the bowling and immediately demonstrated his class, striking with just his second delivery.

The Vine were not about to fold, though, as Luke Blackaby (36) stood firm and at 80-3, the game was evenly poised.

Adeel Malik, the league’s leading wicket-taker with 28 scalps, proved to be the difference between the sides.

The Pakistani utilised the worn Bexley track superbly, picking up a four-fer to help his team bowl the visitors out for 108 and secure a crucial win which lifts Bexley out of the relegation zone.

Despite the heavy loss, Sevenoaks remain top of the table.

The gap was, however, reduced to just five points as Blackheath bounced back from last week’s annihilation to beat Lordswood by four wickets.

Amjad Khan (49no) top scored for Lordswood, but Shaykul Hoque (3-24) and Tanweer Sikandar (2-28) restricted the visitors to 143-7 from their allotted 35 overs.

Jahid Ahmed (40) led from the front with a fluent innings and a resolute knock from Warren Lee (33) saw Blackheath over the line with 29 balls to spare.

Beckenham (195-8) picked up an invaluable win in a thrilling encounter with Bickley Park (193-9).

Kent’s Alex Blake continued his fine form with an elegant 76, while Max Hall (41no) supported well to fire Beckenham up to a competitive total.

Phil Browning (48) looked to be guiding Bickley to victory, but the visitors fell agonisingly short and remain bottom of the league.

Saturday’s fixtures (12pm start): Bickley Park v Sevenoaks Vine, Bromley v Blackheath, Hartley v Canterbury, Lordswood v Bexley, Sandwich Town v Beckenham.

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