Billings returns for Second XI

Kent skipper Sam Billings was back playing cricket again after a three month injury lay-off, featuring for the Second XI in the first of two T20 matches against Gloucestershire at Polo Farm, Canterbury on Friday.

Sam has been recovering and working his way back to fitness following a shoulder operation after suffering a dislocation in a first team 50-over match earlier in the season and was hoping to return to the senior side next week.

In a match reduced to 12 overs a side after a two hour delay because of a wet outfield he scored 29 off 20 deliveries with three fours and one six in Kent’s total of 136/3, whilst Sam Burgess smashed 47 with five boundaries and three sixes.

With an inexperienced bowling attack Kent were unable to make any inroads into the Gloucestershire batting as the visitors coasted to a 10 wicket victory reaching 137 without  loss in 10.4 overs  George Hankins unbeaten on 77.

Billings did not play in the second match which was played over the full 20 overs. Gloucestershire won by 45 runs.

They scored 178/8 with Joe Parry, a member of the Kent Academy Pathway scheme, taking 3 for 30. The youngster then scored 40, and Sean Dickson 53, as Kent were bowled out for 133 in 17.5 overs, Neill took 4 for 11 and George Drissell 4 for 33.

Kent Second XI play their last Championship match of the season against Somerset at Bath starting on Tuesday.

Peter Burrowes

The Spitfires host Glamorgan back at The Spitfire Ground, St. Lawrence in Canterbury next Wednesday in the Vitality Blast

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