Henry: It was a bit crazy

Kent bowler Matt Henry could scarcely believe the Spitfires’ one-run win after a dramatic final two overs at Southampton denied South Group leaders Hampshire as they could only score four runs with six required for a home win.

Calum Haggett’s penultimate over broke a century stand between Joe Weatherley (105*) and Brad Taylor (56) before the New Zealander held his nerve and nailed his yorkers to concede two solitary singles to spark Spitfires celebrations.

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The Black Caps international said: “It was a bit crazy really. Defending that we knew we had to crunch the yorker. We managed that and took it deep in the over.

“It coming off for us is excellent as it doesn’t always come off. Being on the right side of that feels excellent.

“There is always that little bit of hope that if you take it to the last over you never know what is going to happen.

“Weatherley batted so beautifully and controlled the innings wonderfully. As a bowling unit we were frustrated we couldn’t tie them up.”

Former Kent loan signing Weatherley went from the high of his maiden senior century to the low of defeat in a matter of minutes.

The 21-year-old Hampshire batsman said:  “That is about as high as I have got in my cricket career and then about as low.

“It was a real shame. I’m gutted, we’re gutted. We were looking to win it in the penultimate over, then Brad got out.

“To be fair they nailed their yorkers in those last nine balls. I felt during the last over one hit would do it but Matt Henry has had a good start to the year and showed his class.

“I have to take responsibility to finish it but fair play to Kent, they bowled well there. It was a great partnership. Brad was free flowing from the off, he played brilliantly. It was nice to put on a partnership with someone I have grown up with.

“It is great to score my first century. It is a money off the back and probably long overdue. I really enjoyed the moment and get a few more now.”

Kent Spitfires return to The Spitfire Ground to play Somerset on Tuesday (29 May, 2pm).

Next weekend, there’s a double-header at The County Ground, Beckenham against Surrey (Friday 1 June) and Gloucestershire (Sunday 3 June). Both matches start at 11am unless stated with gates opening an hour before.

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