Cowdrey blasts unbeaten 176 in Second XI Trophy win

Fabian Cowdrey scored an unbeaten 176 as Kent began their Second XI trophy campaign with a convincing win against Gloucestershire.

With the Royal London One-Day Cup starting in less than a fortnight, it was an ideal opportunity for Kent's batsmen to test themselves in the 50-over format.

Cowdrey put on 206 with Sean Dickson (83) for the second wicket as the hosts prospered from some profligate bowling after Ryan Davies was bowled for 8.

Gloucestershire bowled 21 wides as the pair inspired Kent to a total of 323-3 that never looked under threat.

Dickson was caught behind chasing a wide delivery and Alex Blake scored 15 before Zak Crawley hit 16 not out.

In reply, George Hankins (90) and Will Tavare (75) showed some resistance but the visitors could not keep up with the required rate.

Fresh from penning his first professional deal, Hugh Bernard took 4-41 from 10 overs with support from spinners Imran Qayyum (2/48 off nine overs) and Fabian Cowdrey (2/58 off 9.2).

Piers Richardson (1/28 in 5 overs) and Dan Smith (1/43 off six overs) were the other wicket-takers.

Next up for the second XI is a trip to Arundel Castle for T20 Finals Day on Thursday (16 July) with a semi-final against Durham, starting at 10.30am – admission is free.