THE form book was torn up when Lordswood arrived at the Nevill on the back of three defeats to take on a Tunbridge Wells side who had won their last two matches.
The visitors won the toss and elected to bat first in spite of the overcast conditions and they were rewarded with a fine, cultured century from Linden Lockhart.
The opening batsman was clearly going to bat long as he steadily grew his contribution, while the Wells bowlers were unusually lacking in penetration.
The tally reached 159 for 3 after 37 overs before the teenager Isaac Bepey (5 for 50) cut a swathe through the middle order and the last seven wickets went down for 72 runs.
It was the left-arm paceman’s maiden five-wicket haul in the Kent League, and it was he who finally dismissed Lockhart for 108 off 141 balls with 11 boundaries.
Matt Barker, returning from a long-term shoulder injury, chipped in with 2 for 23 as Lordswood posted a total of 231.
Wells lost two early wickets in their reply with the heroic centurion of last week, the captain Chris Williams, again standing firm.
The highly competitive Lordswood attack demanded care, so it came as a disappointment when a fraternal mix-up with Alex Williams allowed Chris Piesley to effect a brilliant run-out.
The skipper thus fell for a vibrant 50 from 65 balls with seven fours, and when his sibling Alex also departed for 44 the run-chase was beset by nerves.
The varied bowling line-up methodically worked their way through the lower order, bringing victory with two overs unused as the home side were all out for 206.
Wells remain fourth in the Premier Division table, and they now travel to Sandwich Town on Saturday (July 20).
