Joe Weatherley enjoyed his first meaningful innings since making his Kent county debut against Gloucestershire last month when he led St Cross Symondians to a six-wicket win over Andover at London Road.

The 20-year old batting all-rounder, who is on a summer long loan from Hampshire to Kent, hit 74 and shared a near century stand as Andover’s 219 all out was comfortably overhauled.

Weatherley has been unwell since scoring 36 and 34 on Kent debut, but is now fully restored to health.

“It was my first knock since early April and it went well. I needed some time in the middle as I obviously want to press my claims for a place in the Kent side,” he said.

“It was nice to come back and play for the St Cross club, where it all began for me.

“We’ve got a good young side and I really enjoyed playing with them, and particularly the new white ball format.”

Weatherley hit three sixes and five fours in his run-a-ball 74 and shared a 96-run partnership with New Zealander Logan Van Bleek, who made 59 on debut.

New captain Tom Foyle earlier made 35 as St Cross set out to chase down Andover’s 219 with 11 overs to spare.

Army left-hander Storm Green (65) and Al Hooper (32) gave Andover an 88-run start, but the newly promoted Lions were unable to push on and post a competitive total, despite Matt Knight’s mid-innings 45.

Teenager Harry Came (3-44) removed three of the first six Andover batsmen, while Mike Adams (3-46) was similarly successful for the Lions.