Kent Women start T20 in style with back-to-back Berkshire wins

Kent Women started the NatWest T20 competition in style with back-to-back wins against Ireland and Berkshire at FInchampstead.

Charlotte Edwards (39) and Tammy Beaumont (22) gave Kent a good platform with a run-a-ball rate in reaching 84 for two off seven overs.

Lydia Greenway was bowled by Lissy MacLeod for 18 as Berkshire restricted the visitors in the middle overs before late hitting pushed Kent up to 117 for four.

In reply, Berkshire lost Rodgers as Tash Farrant found the edge into the grateful gloves of wicketkeeper Lauren Griffiths.

England batsman Heather Knight was the key wicket as she holed out in the deep to Tammy Beaumont for 27 as Berkshire reached 51 for two.

Spinner Megan Belt continued her fine form, removing MacLeod and Rudd, caught by skipper Edwards.

Gerke’s run out for 7 pinned back the hosts yet further although with five wickets in hand, Berkshire could play their shots as they chased 33 runs from the last four overs.

A quickfire for 20 by Alex Blackwell threatened to see Berkshire home until she was run out in the penultimate over.

Laura Marsh took two wickets in the final over as Kent secured a four-run win in fading light at Finchampstead.

In the first match, Kent beat Ireland by 46 runs thanks to a century stand by openers = Edwards (53) and Beaumont (61) after being asked to bat first.

The Kent skipper’s 56-ball knock gave her side the perfect start before being run out and Lucy O’Reilly ended Beaumont’s 65-ball stay.

Laura Marsh’s 12 not out helped Kent 144 for 4 after Greenway and Cooper were dismissed in consecutive balls.

In reply, Ireland started strongly but could never keep up with the scoring rate and a run out followed wickets from Kara Sutherland, Marsh and Edwards to secure a comfortable Kent win.