In an exact replica of last summer, the weather was not kind to the Shepherd Neame Kent Cricket League on the opening day of the Premier season with only two games reaching conclusion.
Sevenoaks Vine won an important toss at Foxgrove Road, Beckenham and invited their hosts to bat first on a wicket offering some encouragement to the seamers.
Tom Parsons 4-31 and Miles Richardson exploited the conditions to the full, both bowling with good pace and steady line and length. The Beckenham batting line up struggled to cope and failed to produce sufficient application in the conditions.
They limped to a disappointing 88 all out with only Max Hall, 39, producing a significant contribution. Following a short rain break, the Vine never looked in danger of losing and with Fabian Cowdrey leading the way with an unbeaten 36 they cruised to a seven wicket victory.
At Canterbury, Lordswood began their season with a twenty point victory over the home side. Canterbury invited their visitors to bat first and with Ryan Minter taking 4-33 and Stuart Drakeley 3-31 Lordswood lost wickets at regular intervals and were bowled out for 149 in the 47th over, Lyndon Lockhart top scoring with 35.
Canterbury were well poised at 82 for four, but Dan Masters had the last word taking 5-35 as they slid to 87 for seven. Paul Steer made 36 but the home side lost their final wicket at 121 to give Lordswood the victory by 28 runs.
Elsewhere the rain intervened and various stages with no other game being concluded. At Bexley, Marnus Labuschagne hit the first century of the season for Sandwich Town, reaching 127 in their total of 266 for six and Robbie Goatham 69.
In reply Bexley were 124 for three in 39 overs when the rain ceased proceedings, Matt Stiddard scoring 52 and George Wells unbeaten on 45. The game was incomplete.
At Blackheath Dan Redwood took 5-36 as the home side were bowled out for just 139 by Premier title holders Hartley. There was only time for Hartley to reach 5 for one when the match was abandoned when the rain intervened.
At Bromley the home side reached 218 for four when during the 55th over rain forced the players back to the pavilion for the final time.
Miguel Barbosa was unbeaten on 49, James Butterfill scored 65, and Andrew Wright 44. Bickley Park were not able to commence their innings.