Northeast hits a century but Kent lose in Bristol

County Championship Division Two, Bristol
Gloucestershire 552 beat Kent 264 & 265 by an innings and 23 runs
Gloucester 22points, Kent 4points

Opener Sam Northeast (pictured) hit his maiden first-class century but could not stop Kent losing to Gloucestershire by an innings and 23 runs at Bristol.

Beginning day three on 439-5, Gloucestershire were dismissed for 552, wicketkeeper Steve Adshead making 114 and Jon Lewis 43.

Northeast and skipper Rob Key (46) then added 101 for the first wicket. But when Key was dismissed by Steve Kirby (2-54), Kent crumbled and were eventually shot out for just 265. England U19 bat, Northeast, was the stand out performer with his unbeaten 128.

The day began in unusual fashion when all-rounder James Franklin retired on his overnight score of 104, having been called up to the New Zealand squad for the ICC Champions Trophy. In his absence, Zimbabwean Antony Ireland was named as a replacement.

Struggling with a neck injury, Geraint Jones couldn“t bat in the second innings and didn“t keep wicket for the whole game either. He was replaced behind the stumps for part of the match by James Hockley.

Kent are back in action on Sunday when they play Northamptonshire Steelbacks in their final game of the season at Canterbury. Tickets are still available. You can purchase yours on the day. The Spitfires can still finish second in the NatWest Pro40 so please show your support and come along to the St Lawrence Ground. The game starts at 12.45pm.

Picture: Sarah Ansell