Ben Manenti shines with bat and ball for Second XI
Friday 31st May 2019
Despite two sporting declarations to achieve a positive result, Kent Second X1’s friendly match away to Leicestershire at Kibworth ended in a draw. Unfortunately, more than five hours of play was lost due to the wet weather over the three days of the game.
Australian all-rounder Ben Manenti was 63 not out in Kent’s first innings total of 207 and former Kent player Neil Dexter took 3 for 12 in 13 overs for the home side. Leicestershire then declared their first innings on 116 for 4, leaving them 91 behind the Kent total.
Kent then responded by declaring in their second innings on 177 for 6, setting Leicestershire 269 to win. Manenti again excelled with the bat and was not out for the second time in the match with a closing score of 62* at the end of the innings.
Leicestershire were unable to keep up with the run rate required for victory against some excellent tight Kent bowling and were 201 for 7 at the close of play; 68 runs short of their target. This time Manenti shone with the ball taking 2 for 37. Skipper Grant Stewart took two wickets and conceded only 17 runs in 12 overs, with Justin Watson also taking two wickets for 47 runs.
Peter Burrowes
FULL SCORECARD
Next home fixture:
The all conquering Kent Women will play their final Royal London Women’s County Championship match of the tournament against local rivals Sussex with a chance to complete the ‘perfect’ season at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence this Sunday at 11am.
