Bexley bounced back from their painful one run loss to Hartley with an impressive four wicket victory over title contenders Blackheath in the Kent Cricket League Premier Division on Saturday.

Blackheath won the toss and elected to bat, only for Harry Furze (2-22) to dismiss both openers to reduce the hosts to 45-2.

A pair of wickets from Adeel Malik (2-20) and two superb run outs from Adam Ball then saw the hosts stumble to 126-7.

Jahid Ahmed, demoted from his customary slot as opener, smashed six fours and two maximums in a quick-fire 46, and with keeper-batsman Joe Kerridge (30no), pushed Blackheath to a respectable score of 185-9 from their 50 overs.

Adam Riley is renowned for his off-spin, but showed his ability with the bat by hitting 43 in an opening stand on 96 with George Wells (45).

When both fell within subsequent overs, Blackheath sensed an opportunity to pressurise the new batsmen.

However, a nonchalant and classy knock from Wesley Fernando (49no) saw the visitors over the line with four wickets and 17 balls remaining.

The win sees Bexley climb out of the relegation zone, while Blackheath drop to third behind Hartley and league leaders Sevenoaks Vine with four fixtures remaining.

Hartley (153) completed the incredible feat of winning by just one run for the second week running in their top-of-the-table clash with Sevenoaks (152-9).

In the reduced 30 over a side fixture, James Hockley (41) and Dan Stickels (40) fired Hartley to 70-0, but a fantastic spell from Lorne Burns (5-31) saw the hosts bowled out.

In reply, spinner Jack Laraman (4-19) tore through the middle-order to put Hartley in a commanding position with Sevenoaks 113-9.

Despite fantastic defiance from Lorne Burns (28no), the Vine fell agonisingly short on 152-9, a result which sees their lead over Hartley reduced to just three points.

Beckenham consolidated their position in the heart of the division by beating Bromley away by three wickets.

The Beckenham attack bowled with discipline and skill and the hosts could only post 159-9.

Robert McNeill took a trio of wickets as Beckenham faltered to 77-6, but responsible knocks from Adam Senn (46no) and Jamie McCullock (28) enabled the visitors to win with three wickets to spare.

Bickley Park sunk to a fifth consecutive defeat at the hands of Canterbury.

Jos Siddall picked up a four-fer, but half-centuries from Paul Steer (80), Sam Burt (70) and Graeme Francis (59) launched Canterbury to 309-9.

Bickley fell well short of the required total, only Gordon Darroch (59) and Jos Siddall (37) registered significant scores as the hosts were bowled out for 181.

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

Follow us on Twitter @NewsShopperSprt