Match Report: Sussex Second XI vs. Kent Second XI
A brilliant swashbuckling double century by left-hand batter, Alex Blake, set up a 50-run victory for Kent Second XI in their opening Championship match of the season, away to Sussex Seconds at Blackstone Academy.
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With a first innings lead of 110, Kent made 314 in their second, with Blake smashing 208 of the runs to set the home side 425 to win, but they were finally bowled out for 375, after a spirited effort from Charlie Tear, who made 115.
Blake, Kent’s One-Day specialist wanted to get time out in the middle in readiness for the start of the Vitality Blast and opted to play for the Seconds, taking full advantage of the opportunity, and led from the front as he captained the side.
His innings included 12 sixes and 19 fours and he produced an array of shots all round the wicket, with the next highest scorer in the innings being Fred Klaassen with just 27.
Batting first Kent made 296, with notable contributions from Grant Stewart who scored 70, Hamid Qadri 64, and Academy scholar Harry Turner 48.
Stewart and Qadri then starred with the ball, Stewart taking 4 for 32 and Qadri 3 for 39 to bowl Sussex Seconds out for 186 and give Kent Seconds that healthy lead.
Kent looked to be in trouble in their second innings slumping to 79 for 6, before the Blake, one man mission onslaught changed the game with his dynamic innings, reaching his century off 157 deliveries and the second ton off just 63 balls.
Facing an unlikely winning target Sussex were finally undone by some excellent pace bowling from Klaassen 4 for 62, and Stewart 3 for 61, the win getting the Second Eleven off to a successful start to the new season.
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Kent Seconds next match starts on Easter Monday, April 18, when Northamptonshire Second XI will be the opponents for a Championship match at Polo Farm, Canterbury. Entry is free for all supporters.
By Peter Burrowes
