Match Report: Essex Second XI vs. Kent Second XI
Kent’s T20 prep finished at Chelmsford as the Second XI faced Essex Second XI in what is known unofficially as the ‘Battle of the Blackwall Tunnel’, the junior fixture to the infamous ‘Battle of the Bridge’.
Tickets for tonight’s T20 match between Kent Spitfires & Gloucestershire will be available at the Ticket Office adjacent to the Kennedy Gates, priced at £30 for adults & £10 for juniors.
Save money on tickets for other T20 matches this year by buying in advance:
Despite a spirited opening partnership of 96 runs in 10.2 overs, by Marcus O’Riordan, and Tawanda Muyeye, Kent’s Second Eleven were unable to reach a challenging 224 run target, in their T20 South Group match, against Essex Seconds at the Cloud County Ground, Chelmsford, losing by 46 runs, as they could only reach 177 for 6, from their 20 overs, against a strong home side.
An outstanding fourth wicket partnership for Essex Seconds of 151 runs, off 73 deliveries, between Paul Walter, 78 runs off 37 balls, with six boundaries, and six sixes, and Matthew Critchley, 73 not out, with nine fours and a six, propelled them to their big total. Kent bowlers Hishaam Khan, Jas Singh, Jack Leaning, and trialist James Bazley, all took a wicket apiece. Bazley, an Australian all-rounder, is the overseas player for Sandwich, in the Kent League this season.
Needing to score at 11 runs an over to get near their winning target, O’Riordan 41, with six fours, and Muyeye 51, which included five boundaries and two sixes, gave Kent Seconds an excellent start, but when both were out, the innings lost momentum against some excellent bowling from Simon Harmer 2 for 20 and Critchley 2 for 32 as the home side eased to victory.
Kent Second Eleven are in action again on Friday 26 May, when they continue their T20 South campaign, against Middlesex, at Polo Farm, Canterbury. Admission is free.
By Peter Burrowes
The Battle of the Bridge turns T20-style this June
Kent Spitfires will face Essex in a T20 showdown back at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence at a new start time of 18:30 on Wednesday 7 June:
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Ticket holders for this match also gain complimentary access to South East Stars vs. Central Sparks in the Charlotte Edwards Cup T20 competition from 14:00 on the same day.
Buy your T20 tickets now to save money, avoid disappointment & to lock in supporting your Spitfires during an exciting Summer of white-ball cricket!
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Members do not need to pre-book their space at T20 matches as per last season – entry will be gained by scanning a valid 2023 Kent Cricket Membership card at the gate.
Should seated areas such as the Frank Woolley Stand also sell-out, an allocation is set aside for Members & Six Pack Plus Ticket Holders.
