Kent Women begin Royal London title defence in style
Sunday 3rd May 2015
Kent Women began their bid for a record seventh County Championship title with a fine nine–wicket win against Yorkshire at The County Ground, Beckenham.
Early showers reduced the contest to 46 overs-a-side before Kent skipper Charlotte Edwards won the toss and invited the visitors to bat.
Yorkshire, without three England stars due to international call-ups, were reduced 51-3 as Charlotte Pape struck twice and Alice Davidson-Richards made an impact with the new ball.
Maddie Walsh (21) and Cecilia Allen (31) provided some resistance but regular wickets slowed the scoring rate with brekathroughs by Aussie all-rounder Kara Sutherland, Megan Belt, Grace Gibbs and one for Edwards with her occasional spin.
A fine 41 off 50 balls by Laura Spragg set Kent a target of 158 to win from 46 overs.
Edwards led from the front in typical style, hitting nine fours in an unbeaten 85 off 88 balls to guide Kent home, supported by Tammy Beaumont’s 43 and Lydia Greenway’s 12 not out.
Photo: Bryan Tumbridge
Next up for Kent Women is tomorrow's crunch clash against title rivals and fellow six-times champs Sussex at The County Ground, Beckenham.
Play is due to start at 11am. Entry costs £5, free for Kent Members, under 16s and Canterbury Christ Church University students.
Canterbury Christ Church University are the proud Major Sponsors of Kent Cricket Women's Team.