Kent Women appeal after controversial last-ball drama v Sussex at Beckenham
Monday 4th May 2015
Kent Women are set to appeal the controversial single off the last ball which levelled the scores their crunch match with Sussex on Bank Holiday Monday.
A fine 82 not out by Deanna Cooper and some tight death bowling set up a tense finish for Kent Women against title rivals Sussex at The County Ground, Beckenham.
Amid controversial circumstances at stumps, the result is in doubt after it initially appeared Kent had won by a single run.
Requiring two to win off the final ball, Kent captain Charlotte Edwards beat the bat and 'keeper Lauren Griffiths took off the bails and as Kent celebrated the narrowest of wins, Sussex ran a single in an attempt to level the scores.
After discussion between both sides and the umpires, the match ended in a tie between the six-times champions, which Kent will appeal with the ECB.
An ECB spokesman said: "The ECB is currently in communication with the umpires, and the Kent and Sussex management teams as to the outcome of the Royal London Women’s One-Day Cup match between the two sides on Monday 4 May 2015.
The visitors started strongly after Sussex skipper Sarah Taylor won the toss and helped reduce Kent to 56-5 with the top trio of England internationals were all out followed by overseas all-rounder Kara Sutherland.
Lydia Greenway was caught at slip before England ‘keeper Sarah Taylor snaffled a chance off the bat of Tammy Beaumont before Charlotte Edwards departed, stumped by Taylor.
Ellen Burt and Holly Colvin claimed two wickets each and England international Georgia Elwiss struck before Cooper led the fightback.
Cooper, who also plays football for Brighton & Hove Albion, put on 87 for the sixth wicket with wicketkeeper Lauren Griffiths.
The stand ended when Griffiths was run out for 27 as Kent looked to accelerate the scoring before setting Sussex a target of 186 to win.
In reply, several Sussex players got good starts with England international Georgia Elwiss (20) and captain Taylor (26) playing fluently.
Beaumont pulled off a sharp catch off Tash Farrant to remove Elwiss and a good slip catch by Edwards removed Taylor off the bowling of Australian all-rounder Kara Sutherland.
Economical bowling and a run-out at the death from Hannah Jelf (six overs cost just 17 runs) and a four-over cameo from Charlotte Edwards (1/17).
Izzy Collis’ innings of 63 was just enough despite tight ten over spells by Charlotte Pape (2/32), Tash Farrant (1.25) and a key wicket by Megan Belt, who dismissed Holly Colvin for 14 when the visitors looked on course for victory.
With two required from the final ball, it was finally deemed that Sussex had secured a single run to bag a share of the points.
Canterbury Christ Church University is the proud Major Sponsor of Kent Women's Cricket.