Rouse scores ton for Second XI
An undefeated century from Kent wicketkeeper Adam Rouse and 90 from all-rounder Calum Haggett steered a combined Kent-Sussex 2nd X1 team to an eight wicket victory over Middlesex in a three day friendly match at Blackstone Academy Ground.
After the second day was washed out by the weather, two sporting declarations set up a 292 run chase for the Kent-Sussex side which they reached with some hard hitting batting against a wayward Middlesex attack that conceded 48 extras, including 28 runs from no balls.
On the first day, Middlesex scored 362 for 9 declared with Josh de Caines hitting an impressive 157 and Sussex all-rounder George Garton taking 5 for 69.
The home side reached 71 for 0, a score which they declared on, and Middlesex forfeited their second innings, declaring on 0 for 0,
After losing their first wicket with the score on 30, the Kent-Sussex side provided a run fest with Rouse and Haggett firing a second wicket partnership of 180 in 36 overs, before Haggett was caught and bowled for 90, with 13 fours and a six.
The mayhem continued when Garton joined Rouse, and the Sussex man hit a 27-ball half century and reached his 50, which included five fours and three sixes, with a single allowing Rouse to hit the winning runs to the boundary and complete his century; 100 not out from 145 balls, with 13 boundaries and captain the side to an impressive win.
Peter Burrowes