Kent rout Somerset before Sussex setback in Women’s Championship

Kent started their bid for a record seventh Royal London Women’s County Championship in style with a 221-run win at Somerset on Sunday.

Captain Charlotte Edwards (79) and England colleague Tammy Beaumont (72) led from the front.

Lydia Greenway scored 69 and Laura Marsh’s unbeaten 38 in the latter overs pushed Kent to 279 for four.

In reply, Kent were in complete control with new-ball duo Hannah Jelfs (2/14) and Charlotte Pape (3/9 and a run-out) doing the damage at the top of the order to leave the hosts on 31-6.

All-rounder Alice Davidson-Richards took 2/9 off five overs and off-spinner Megan Belt completed the rout with a wicket (1/5 off 2.2 overs).

It was a Bank Holiday Monday to forget as Kent lost a rain-reduced match to Sussex at Eastbourne by 42 runs.

The 30-over match was curtailed due to morning drizzle which returned during Kent's reply when they fell short after dismissing the hosts for 172.

Laura Marsh and Charlotte Pape took three wickets each with two for Megan Belt and a wicket and run-out for Tash Farrant.

In reply, Tammy Beaumont hit 49 and Lydia Greenway's 33 weren't enough as both sides recorded a win and a loss on the opening weekend.

Royal London Women's County Championship Division One results:

Sunday – Berkshire bt Staffs, Kent bt Somerset, Middlesex bt Surrey, Warwickshire bt Sussex.

Monday – Berkshire bt Surrey, Staffs v Somerset abandoned, Sussex bt Kent.

Kent's first Women's County Championship 2016 home match is against Middlesex at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence on Sunday 15 May. Click here to buy tickets

Canterbury Christ Church University is the proud major sponsor of Kent Women's Cricket