Beckenham remain just four points off the Kent Cricket League Premier Division summit after Saturday’s seven wicket derby success against Bromley.

Charlie Hartley (4) and Calum Basey (1) fell in quick succession to leave visitors Bromley on 18-2.

Richard Selvey Clinton (28) was the next to depart, making him the first of Johan Malcolm’s (4-38) quartet of victims.

Shavawn Cunningham (26) and James Balmforth (30) gave Bromley renewed hope as their tally rose to 116-8.

Michael Horder (20) did his best to keep that tally climbing, but by the time he was caught by David Draper off Malcolm’s delivery the visitors were all out for 145.

The loss of Alexander Sen (10) at 31-1 did not provide the springboard for more Beckenham wickets to fall as only Chris Isles (28) and Alex Blake (48) followed back to the pavilion with the hosts sealing victory in 35 overs.

Hartley (194-8) still lead the way at the top of the table following a 54-run win on the road at Sandwich Town.

Having opted to bat first after winning the toss, it was an impressive start from the title challengers.

Opening duo Dan Stickels (48) and James Hockley (51) combined well as Hartley flew out of the traps.

Nick Hendrie (18) was caught and bowled by Matthew van Poppel and with David Thompson (14) quickly following, the innings stood at 135-4.

James Thompson (28no) proved a tougher nut for the Sandwich Town bowlers to dislodge, however, and he was able to remain at the crease until the allotted 55 overs ran out.

Daniel Redwood claimed a trio of early Sandwich Town wickets to leave the hosts in serious trouble on 16-3.

But by the time Ryan Davies (25) was caught and bowled by James Hockley, the score was up to 75-4.

Jacobus Maritz (48) was the mainstay of the home side’s revival before he was caught by Jake Hutson at 109-7.

James Thompson was the bowler and he eventually finished up with very useful figures of 4-29, as he, Redwood (3-36) and Hockley (3-41) shared all of the home side’s wickets between them with Sandwich dismissed for 140 inside 45 overs.

Blackheath (225) are up one place to third thanks to a 48-run victory at Manor Way, the home of Bexley. 

It took the hosts a while to claim their first Blackheath batsman when Chris Willetts (25) was run out by Michael Stevenson at 81-1.

Most of those runs had been racked up by fellow opener Dipayan Paul (87) before he was finally caught by Oliver Robinson with the score now 123-2.

Duncan Willetts’ 37 proved vital in taking Blackheath past 200, a figure which was ultimately beyond the reach of Bexley’s batsmen.

That was despite the best efforts of Sam Heazlett (50), George Furze (28) and Harry Furze (31no), as the hosts were bowled out for 177, Tanweer Sikandar (4-49) doing most of the damage.

Saturday’s fixtures (12pm): Blackheath v Beckenham, Bromley v Sevenoaks Vine, Hartley v Lordswood, Tunbridge Wells v Bexley.

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