Kent beat Northants by 13 runs

Kent’s cricketers continued their good start to pre-season with a slender 13 run victory over Northants at Canterbury. Batting first, in a game reduced to 40 overs per side, Kent scored 228 for six with skipper Martin van Jaarsveld (pictured) leading the way. The South African top-scored with an unbeaten 98. Opener Joe Denly weighed in with 34 and James Hockley made 26. Monty Panesar and Lee Daggett both took two wickets for the visitors.

In reply, Northants scored 215 for eight from their 40 overs. Former Kent all-rounder Andrew Hall top scored with 63 while Stephen Peters hit 53. Simon Cook was the pick of the Kent attack – returning figures of four for 41.

Kent are back in action again tomorrow when they play a two-day friendly against Sussex at Hove.

Kent 228 for six, 40 overs

van Jaarsveld 98*, Denly 34, Hockley 26

Panesar 2 for 26, Daggett 2 for 28

Northants 215 for eight, 40 overs

Hall 63, Peters 53, Van der Wath 21*

Cook 4 for 41, Tredwell 2 for 38, Stevens 1 for 34

Picture courtesy of Anthony Roberts of ARPICS