Match Report: Kent Second XI vs. Leicestershire Second XI
Kent Second XI, set a challenging 412 runs, to beat Leicestershire Second XI, in their Second XI Championship match, at Polo Farm, Canterbury, fell well short of their target, losing by 197 runs, despite a half century in both of their innings, by skipper, Marcus O’Riordan.
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It’s the ‘War of the Wealds’ on Friday – Kent Spitfires welcome Sussex Sharks to Canterbury in Kent’s final home Group Stage match of the 2023 Vitality Blast:
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The home side had a 14 run lead on first innings, after bowling their opponents out for 200, and then replied with a 214 run total themselves. But they were bowled out for exactly the same score, 214, in their victory bid, after the visitors had taken control of the match, declaring their second innings on 425 for 7.
In the Leicestershire first innings, Roman Walker scored 38, Hamid Qadri 3 for 47, Arafat Bhuiyan 2 for 21, Matt Quinn 2 for 14. O’Riordan then scored 61, with eight boundaries, and Harry Finch was 73 not out also with eight fours, in Kent’s first innings reply. Sam Wood 3 for 31, Scott Steel 3 for 23.
There was some excellent batting from Leicestershire, in their second innings, opener Sam Evans, 129 not out, with 11 fours and a six, Sol Budinger 95, including two sixes and nine boundaries, Tristan Kennedy 46, Jas Singh 2 for 79. Evans retired hurt when he was on 85, after suffering a laceration on his chin, but returned to complete his unbeaten innings, and reach his century.
Facing their big winning target, Kent Seconds were undone by some top class bowling from Walker, 4 for 19, and Uttam Ramji 3 for 58, O’Riordan top scoring with eight boundaries, in his 67 run innings, but six wickets fell for 47 runs, as the visitors bowlers prevailed.
For their next championship fixture, Kent Second Eleven travel to Rockhampton, to play Gloucestershire Seconds, the match starting on Monday, July 3.
By Peter Burrowes
Friday night T20s are back!
Kent Spitfires’ final home T20 match of the South Group is against Sussex Sharks this Friday!
Buy your tickets now to avoid disappointment & lock in supporting your Spitfires now in 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.
