Jaydn Denly & Ekansh Singh score unbeaten Second XI hundreds
Two of Kent’s talented young players, Academy Scholar Ekansh Singh & rookie professional Jaydn Denly, both scored unbeaten centuries, to take Kent’s Second XI to a massive nine-wicket victory over Essex their first Second XI Championship match of the season at The County Ground, Beckenham.
It’s not too late to become a Kent Member for this Summer – be a part of the Kent Cricket family and guarantee your place at Kent’s home matches this season, even if tickets are sold out!
Buy Membership now
After a large chunk of the match had been lost to the weather, a sporting declaration by the visitors set Kent Seconds a target of 275 for victory in 67 overs, and they bludgeoned their way to a highly impressive win, in just 55.4 overs, losing just one wicket.
View video scorecard
After that wicket had gone down with Kent’s score at 95, the two all- rounders, 17-year-old Singh, and 18-year-old Denly, put on an unbroken second wicket partnership of 180 as they dispatched the Essex bowling to all parts of the North Kent venue.
Singh, who played the anchor role opening the innings, was 105 not out off 159 deliveries, with eight fours and two sixes, whilst Denly, nephew of Kent all-rounder Joe, hit 11 fours and a six in his 100 not out off 111 balls.
The only wicket to fall was trialist, Ross Richardson, who impressed with a knock of 57, which included eight fours and a six, following scoring 46, in the first innings. He previously made appearances for Surrey Second XI and Buckinghamshire.
Essex Seconds declared their first innings on 296 for 4, after Charles Allinson had scored an excellent 140, with 20 boundaries, and one six, before being bowled by his England Under-19 team mate, Denly. Nick Brown made 60, with 11 boundaries. Bexley’s Kent League fast bowler, Harry Dowling took 2 for 27.
Kent then declared their first innings 99 runs behind their opponents, on 197 for 7, Marcus O’Riordan 48, Richardson 46, and another trialist Nic Keast 45. He has a double century on his cv playing for Lincolnshire. Luc Benkenstein took 3 for 32.
Essex Seconds then declared their second innings at Lunch on the final day, on 175 for 5, Browne, with a second half century 52, including 10 fours. Benkenstein 48, Hamid Qadri 2 for 46, Denly 2 for 25.
View video scorecard
Following the conclusion of the match, Denly raced to the Cloud County Ground in Chelmsford to make his first-class debut for Kent after an injury in the first-team camp.
A fine start to the new season for Kent Second XI, who return to The County Ground, Beckenham, next Tuesday, April 16 for a three-day Championship match against Nottinghamshire Seconds. Entry to all Kent’s Second team matches is free for Members and supporters.
By Peter Burrowes
Make sure you’re here for the all-action Vitality Blast in June and July
Tickets for your Summer social in Canterbury to see the Kent Spitfires in T20 competition are on general sale now:
Buy your T20 tickets here
Lock in your place at The Spitfire Ground this Summer. Several matches completely sold out in 2023. Take advantage of Early Bird prices before the end of 1 May and save money by buying today.
Scramble your squadron for a choice of Friday nights & weekends this June & July and enjoy discounts on tickets for groups of six or more!
