Kent Seniors – 2026 Season Review
Monday 19th October 2026
By Howard Smith
It is impossible to write something new every year, but as they say ‘the old ones are always the best’. However, it is never wrong to offer thanks to those that have helped during a busy season.
Firstly, attached to this missive is the most amazing Stats List courtesy of Roger Shaddock. Absolutely amazing and thanks Rog for all your help during the Season.
Thanks also to those clubs for the use of their grounds and especially the teas. We are one of only two counties that offer teas at every one of our Home matches, so once again thanks to those involved. We are always looking for new grounds and the three new grounds we tried this year were very successful.
Then of course there is the ‘happy’ band of Umpires and Scorers. Once again they set very high standards and my extra thanks to those that became available within a 24 hour notice period to officiate where I had a vacancy. Many thanks to you all.
We played 117 matches (less than last year) with another 37 cancelled which would have given us over 154 games, never known before. During this time 143 different players took part – some of which still remember where they’ve been all summer. Of those cancelled matches 12 were cancelled due to excessive Heat. The Championship are reconsidering the criteria regarding temperatures.
We had less centuries than last year totalling 19 in all with Jim Phillips getting 5 of those (with a top score of 165). He also topped the wicket taking with 38 wickets which was the same as last year. Many congratulations to all and well done Jim on yet another exceptional season.
Congratulations to our Internationals, Messrs Routh, Phillips, Towe, Tarrant, Edwards T and Staple and to our England Lion, Mr Joyce plus Chris Trevatt and Tony Mitchell who played in the new O65 Competition.
Also, Messrs Towe and Tarrant are off to South Africa in January in the New Year to play in a quadrangular (four teams) Competition with Australia and Rest of the World in an Over 70’s Tournament. Derek goes as Vice-Captain. Good luck to you both. Enjoy.
Also, congratulations to Rob Ovenden who won the Alan Albury Lifetime Achiever Award for an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the life of their Club over many years and in Rob’s case it’s Horton Kirby Cricket Club who provide us with excellent wickets and TEAS! Congratulations Rob, very well deserved.
The 2026 Season was a massive improvement on 2025 but with a terrible disappointment on 18th August where our 60’s Firsts, Seconds and Thirds all lost in their Quarter Finals. I sobbed in a bar in Portugal. However, we did manage four bits of silverware but came so close to others. Final results were;
60+ First Team lost in Quarter-Final home to Lancashire
60+ Second Team lost in Quarter-Final away to Middlesex
60+ Third Team lost in Quarter-Final away to Warwickshire
60+ Fourth Team won their Competition beating Wales (a Country) in the Final
60+ Fifth Team won their League in the last over of their final League match
70+ First Team won their Cup outright this year beating Essex in the Final
70+ Second Team won their Division and Cup (Again to retain the Trophy)
70+ Third Team finished Fourth
But perhaps one of our top successes was our newly formed 70+ Fourth Team under the Captaincy of Dick Clark who completed 9 Fixtures and want more next season. We also sneaked in one 60+ Sixth Team Fixture and there is a rumour that an 80’s Eleven is on the horizon. Personally, I hope it stays there!
Having mentioned everyone else my thanks go to our Skippers, especially Andy Castle who took over mid-season and won the Fourth Team Trophy, who’ve not had the easiest of seasons with so many players being in form and available for selection. Not an easy task but our thanks go to them. They’ve earned a well-earned rest. Also, very many thanks to Howard Abbett, Nigel Bardsley and Mick Clark who are stepping down to become just relaxed players.
Don’t forget nets will be on us soon before and after Christmas.
Finally, on behalf of our Group I sincerely thank our sponsors who once again have been very generous and continue to give us their support. Our thanks go to; Kent Supporters Club & CKRServices who sponsor the Fourth Team balls..
It only remains for me to thank those of you who have been so helpful during the Season and to wish you all well in whatever Care Home you’ve chosen for the Winter and I look forward to seeing you in 2026 and hopefully at the Dinner on the13th November.
