Billings hit a record breaking 208

The first round of the 50 over win/lose format saw promising Kent youngster Sam Billings enter the Kent League record books with a magnificent 208, the highest ever score in this format, as Hartley defeated League leaders Lordswood by 199 runs. Billings dominated the Hartley innings as, despite 4-70 from Kevin Masters, they raced to a match winning 379-8. Billings stole the show but Charlie Hemphrey 33 and James Hockley 25 helped Hartley to their impressive total. In reply Chris Piesley 40 and Matt Geenwood 31 made starts but the total set was too great, Lordswood bowled out for 180.

Bromley have been quietly moving up the table for the last few weeks and now move top after an exciting six run victory over visitors Sevenoaks Vine. Invited to bat, Bromley played steadily, Sadiq Hassan an unbeaten 93 and Miguel Barbosa 77 as they set the Sevenoaks side 263 to chase. Ricaldo Anderson was again in the wickets with 3-46 but the Vine chased well, led by Luke Blackaby with 91 not out and Mike Koster 46, but the Bromley total proved just six runs too many and they defended their total with a tidy display in the field.

Still only 20 points separate top seven in the Division and Bexley are still very much in the mix in 4th place after a close match at the Nevill. Bexley lost four early wickets when Adam Riley joined Jack Bell in a partnership of 56 to steady the ship. Riley was dismissed for 33 but Bell remained to the end, undefeated on 84 as Bexley closed on 206. In reply Tunbridge Wells lost wickets at regular intervals but opener Alex Williams was standing firm. He was joined by keeper Simon Routh at a precarious 114-6 and a partnership began to flourish as they took the total to 181 and a scent of victory. Jason Benn then removed Williams for well made 85 and Routh departed ten runs later for 36 but the target proved just 8 runs too many.

Bickley's signing of former Linden Park overseas star Abhijit Kale seems to have offered them a new lease of life as they beat the Mote by 102 runs at Mote Park. Kale scored 93 and skipper Chris Coulson rediscovered some form with 90 as Bickley posted 251-9. In reply, Tom Harvey, apart, with 87, the Mote batting was disappointing as they stuttered to 149 all out against steady Bickley attack.

The final match in the round was another tense encounter with Blackheath emerging victors by 9 runs at Sibton Park. When David Hammond departed for 31 wicket fell quickly and Blackheath looked in trouble at 88-7 but number nine Jahid Ahmed was not giving up without a fight adding an invaluable 42 supported well by the lower order to give Blackheath some hope with a final total of 189. Tim Bishop 25 and Andy Allon 28 got Sibton off to a good start taking their total to 44 without loss. Six wickets then fell for just 27 runs leaving Sibton in disarray at 71-6 when Steven Rowe joined Steve Hickmott. Rowe made a useful 24 when bowled by Warren Lee (3-47) but Hickmott kept the game open with support from his lower order. Tim Smith was run out in the final over leaving Hickmott stranded on 67 and Sibton 9 runs short.