Leaning stars in Second XI T20 Victories

Kent’s Jack Leaning took an impressive 4 for 16, with his spin bowling, in the Second XI’s nine-run victory  in their first South Group T20 match of the season, against Essex at Garon Park, Southend.

With a week clear of Championship cricket, a number of first team players, including those returning from injury, were in the winning Kent sides, as the Second XI played-out a T20 double header on the Essex coast.

Batting first after an uncontested toss,  Kent scored 186 for 7 from their 20 overs, youngster Tawanda Muyeye top scoring with 42. Alex Blake made his first appearance in a Kent shirt this season and scored 32. All-rounder Marcus O’Riordan was 22 not out at the close of the innings.

Needing 187 for victory, Essex Second XI fell just short of their target despite a ninth wicket stand of 33 between Eshun Kalley (19), and Ben Allison (14).

Earlier in the innings Feroze Khushi scored 65 runs for the home side, who finished on 177 for 8. As well as the four wickets for Leaning, O’Riordan took 2 for 12, and there was a wicket apiece for Nathan Gilchrist and Hamid Qadri. Harry Podmore, who has been out of action with a side injury, eased his way back bowling four overs.

In the morning friendly, Kent Seconds were eight wicket winners scoring 127 for 2 in just 12 overs, Ollie Robinson 50 not out, Daniel Bell-Drummond 40, in reply to the Essex total of 124 for 9, with the wickets spread amongst the bowlers.

Matt Milnes and Grant Stewart both bowled in the game, on their return from injury, as did Joe Denly.

Kent’s Second XI are in action again on Wednesday, June 2, when they play Hampshire at the Rose Bowl in double-header South Group matches, with morning and afternoon starts.

By Peter Burrowes