Kent 60+ Team reach National Final

Kent’s fine tradition in seniors cricket has continued this season as the 60+ team overcame hot favourites Essex in the semi-final at Wickford CC on Tuesday. To even reach the semi final the team had to do it the hard way as, seeded 11^th for the Knockout stages we were drawn away to Middlesex and then Cambridgeshire before meeting Essex.

Essex batting first on winning the toss could only reach 141 all out as steady bowling; fine catching in the deep and it must be admitted some kamikaze running from Essex led to a steady fall of wickets. Rupert Staple 2-20; Terry Edwards 2-25 and Jim Phillips 2-29 had the best figures.

We knew this would be no easy run chase against Essex’s renowned bowling attack with 3 England 60s internationals in their ranks but the gamble of asking Rupert Staple to pinch hit against their formidable opening attack worked perfectly as he hit 34 in no time but then wickets began to fall. At 75-4 the match was in the balance but skipper Chris Tarrant held firm with 27no and with help from Chris Swadkin (23) and Keith Sawyer (14 no) saw us home with 3 overs to spare.

We now meet Warwickshire at Great Tew CC on Tuesday 14^th September and will attempt to become National 60+ County Champions for the third time after our previous victories in 2013 and 2016.

By Howard Smith