Seconds in five run Trophy defeat

In a tight finish to their 50-over Trophy match, Kent’s Second XI lost by just five runs to Essex at Tunbridge Wells and will rue the fact they conceded 25 extras, 16 of them wides, when they were bowling, which in the end had an impact on the result.

Set 276 to win, Kent were never able to comfortably keep up with the required run rate. They needed 91 off the last 10 overs and went into the last requiring an unlikely 21 and it was commendable in the end that they got so close finishing their innings on 270 for 9.

All-rounder Calum Haggett, who is unable to bowl at present because of elbow tension, opened the Kent innings and scored 90 for the second time this season hitting 12 boundaries and Ben Compton scored 49.

The flourish of runs at the end of the innings, as Kent chased victory, came from former Academy player Marcus O Riordan (37) and Tristan Blackledge (16 not out).

In the Essex innings of 275 all out in 49.2 overs there was a good performance with the ball from Australian Jared Lysaught who took 5 for 49 for Kent.

Peter Burrowes

Kent Spitfires and Essex Eagles contest the first Battle of the Bridge of the 2019 season at The County Ground, Beckenham on Sunday 5th May.

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