Skipper Matt Hammond has hailed the impact one of title-winning St Lawrence & Highland Court’s players has had on the squad as they signed off in style on Saturday.

St Lawrence scored 205-9 as legendary former Kent all-rounder Darren Stevens (53) and John Grewar (46 not out) shared a crucial 64-run stand. Grewar (3-25) then sparkled to seal an historic first Kent League Premier Division triumph since 2007.

For Grewar, it was the perfect send-off at St Lawrence.

“He’s an unsung hero - unless you’re a member of the Blackheath team,” said Hammond.

“As they pointed out to us, he always seems to play well against them. John has been an incredible addition to the side.

“I think he joined four years ago.

“When he turned up at nets, being 6ft 5in, we were all licking our lips we had found ourselves a fast bowler - and then he bowled backwards! But he gave an emotional speech after the game, saying this season is going to be his last.

“His service to the club, although it’s only been over a few years, has been huge.”

It has been quite the journey for St Lawrence, who were in the old Division 2 in 2014.

Hammond, now 30, who has spent more than a decade with the Canterbury club, said: “It’s monumental.

“It’s been a long time coming. The club has certainly had its ups and downs.

“I think - on the back of two relegations - if somebody had offered me a Premier Division title in my career back then, I would have snapped their hands off.

“We have had times without a third team and we lost our bottom ground.

“Saturday was an incredible day, not just for the 11 players that were fortunate enough to be playing, but for everyone involved with the club.

“Has it sunk in? Yeah. Just about!

"We don’t have a FrogBox (live stream) but, if we had a FrogBox, I think we could have watched that winning moment back a few times.

“It’s all a bit of a blur!”

A season-ending home victory completed the double over Blackheath, albeit George Wells’ side had remained in the hunt for the title - one of four teams that could still seal title glory - on the last day.

“I don’t think we have ever had an easy game against Blackheath,” admitted Hammond. “We always have nail-biters.

“We were on the right end of a pretty tight game at their place.

"Me and George, their captain, were speaking after that game and he said ‘Wouldn’t it be lovely if it came down to the final day and we both still could win the league?’. Technically, it did.

“They would have had to have restricted us to two points. An hour into the game, that looked more than likely.

"It was a tricky wicket.”

St Lawrence’s success was made all the more remarkable due to the fact the team spent most of the summer without an overseas player, which left the bulk of the workload with the club’s talented youngsters.

Hammond said: “That was the conversation we had as a tight group after the game - before things got out of hand!

“I think I counted seven home-grown players. I think we can foster Fred Sharp, he only came from down the road at Canterbury, as an eighth.

"To have that many home-grown players, that’s testament to where the club is at.

“It’s nice to do it the right way. I hope, in years to come, myself and Will [Hilton] are sitting in the 2nds, watching them.

“If you look at the young talent we have got in the 2nds and even the 3rds, I think it’s an exciting time for the club.”

The 2nds concluded the Division 2 season as they came third-bottom after last weekend’s 65-run loss at Blackheath 2nds.

Chasing a target of 251, Sudesh Thakur’s 60 proved in vain.

But St Lawrence 3rds also tasted title success, earning an eight-wicket win against third-bottom Division 8 Shepherd side Ash 1sts at home.

Ash were bowled out for 114 as Mike Bentley (3-5) and James Armstrong (3-36) led the way.

Bentley’s unbeaten 92 ensured there was even more for St Lawrence to celebrate.

Whitstable 1sts were two-wicket winners at Bexley 1sts as they avoided Kent League Premier Division relegation.

Cameron Wilshaw (3-19) and Justin MacVicar (3-29) were the best of the Whitstable bowlers in Bexley’s 152 all out.

Opener Byron Gould’s 62 from 65 balls set the platform for a successful chase for Sam Denly’s side.