Tunbridge Wells took another big stride towards this season’s Kent League Premier Division title as they edged their top-four match against Bromley by three runs on Saturday.
Captain Michael Waller (30) top scored in the hosts’ 179 all out while Oliver Butterfill returned 3-11.
Fred Wilson’s 83 saw him lead the away team’s run-chase but New Zealand overseas professional Danru Ferns (4-31) impressed to ensure Tunbridge Wells were triumphant again, and are 29 points clear with just 38 points left to play for.
St Lawrence & Highland Court were one-wicket home winners over third-bottom Minster.
Skipper Aron Nijjar (45) top scored in Minster’s 257-8 from 50 overs as spinner Thomas Copestake claimed 5-52 from 10 overs.
Fred Sharp (73) and Josh Julian (43) shared an 88-run opening stand and, while Jaahid Ali (2-17), Bill Prideaux (2-42) and Nijjar (2-51) kept things interesting, an unbroken 29-run last-wicket partnership got St Lawrence across the line off the last ball.
Wicketkeeper Alex Rydon and Copestake ended 15 not out and 13 not out, respectively.
Basement boys Holmesdale saw off Sandwich Town by 98 runs at home.
Will McDowell and Leo Carter finished on 121 and 119, respectively, in Holmesdale’s 323 all out while William Thurgate took 5-40 from eight overs.
Sidney Thomson offered Sandwich hope with 50, only for Frederick Smith (4-29) to leave them well short.
Second-placed Hayes suffered a 27-run loss at Lordswood.
Opener Linden Lockhart top scored with 84 in Lordswood’s 155 all out while Aaron Burrage (2-14), Finlay Baker (2-17), Alfie Peck (2-23), Scott Gallagher (2-23) and Alex Blake (2-30) claimed scalps.
In reply, Hayes were skittled in the 32nd over despite Finnan Bryan’s 49 off 47 balls. Australian overseas professional Will Straker (3-19) the star of the show for the Medway side.
Bexley were too strong for second-bottom Blackheath, who are 15 points behind Minster.
Skipper Matthew Stiddard (47) top scored in Bexley’s 189 all out, Tejpal Birdi’s 4-34 off 10 overs seeing him shine.
Wicketkeeper Mason Robinson (16) led the way but Ellis Daly’s figures of 3-13 helped to dismiss Blackheath for 116 in the 39th over.
