Mike Denness Challenge Shield Announced – Kent v Essex

Kent and Essex County Cricket Clubs announced today the launch of the new ‘Mike Denness Challenge Shield’, named in honour of former Captain Mike Denness, to be contested in all cricket matches between the two Counties. “Mike was an outstanding cricketer for Kent, Essex and England and had the rare distinction of captaining neighbouring Counties”, commented current Kent Cricket President and former team mate Graham Johnson. “He holds a special place in the memories of both Counties and is greatly missed. We thought it wholly appropriate to honour his memory in this manner.”

Essex County Cricket Club’s Chief Executive, Derek Bowden stated that they too are very pleased to honour the memory of Mike and felt that the regular cricket encounters between the two Counties was an excellent way to remember him. “Mike became a key member of the Essex squad during his time here and is still remembered for his achievements and the huge impact he had on our cricket, just as he had at Kent. He was an outstanding cricketer and we are very pleased to be supporting the creation of the ‘Mike Denness Challenge Shield’ in his memory.”

With a record of over 500 First Class and 200 List A games, Mike Denness’ achievements are well known. He was a key part of a dominant Kent side in the early and mid-seventies which won numerous limited over trophies and the County Championship on a number of occasions. In the final four years of his playing career at Essex, he continued to be successful and was a key figure in their 1979 County Championship win.

The ‘Mike Denness Challenge Shield’ will be contested in all matches, across all formats played between the Counties during the season. Two points will be attributed to LV= County Championship wins, one point each for limited overs match victories, with the County with the most points at the end of the season having the honour of their name being engraved on the Shield.