Hayes closed to within 16 points of Kent League Premier Division leaders Tunbridge Wells with a 64-run home victory over a depleted Sandwich Town side on Saturday.
Opener Finnan Bryan’s 52, backed up by wicketkeeper Liam Buttery (43), helped Hayes to 261-7 from 50 overs as Sri Lankan overseas spinner Roshan Jayatissa (2-32), Alex Smith (2-46) and Joel Grabinar (2-58) claimed scalps.
Wicketkeeper Lawrence Hills’ 83 proved in vain, with ex-Kent player Alex Blake (3-28) and Scott Gallagher (3-44) in fine form.
It allowed Hayes to make the most of a Tunbridge Wells slip up, thrashed by 110 runs at second-bottom Blackheath.
Half-centuries from George Wells and Matt Golding, who scored 89 and 83, respectively, guided the hosts to 242-8 despite Matt Barker (4-59) taking wickets.
Alex Williams offered 34 for Tunbridge Wells but Angus McKenzie (3-22), Arafat Bhuiyan (3-27) and Jahid Ahmed (3-31) did the damage.
A low-scoring game saw Lordswood secure a 56-run home success over St Lawrence & Highland Court.
Opener Bradley Goldsack’s 53 inspired the hosts’ 117 all out despite Josh Julian (3-8) and Thomas Copestake (3-15) doing well.
In response, Australian overseas bowler Will Straker’s 4-24 left St Lawrence skittled for 61 in the 24th over.
Shineyu Anand (15) best with the bat for the away team.
Third-placed Bromley eased past basement boys Holmesdale by 69 runs.
Ryan Cartwright’s 115 got Bromley to 272 all out as Nathan Khelawon claimed figures of 5-47.
Wicketkeeper Jamie Baird’s unbeaten 105 gave Holmesdale hope, only for Aditya Kumar (4-4) to help leave the home team well shy.
Third-bottom Minster are just 11 points clear of the drop, having suffered a 69-run loss at Bexley.
Opener Shaun Evans top scored with 81 in Bexley’s 246 all out while opening bowler James Speer (3-35) sparkled.
In response, Minster lost despite Kai Appleby’s 82 off 78 balls.
Opening bowler Oliver Smith (4-35) among the wickets for Bexley from his 10 overs.
