Second XI complete comprehensive Championship win
Thursday 9th June 2016
Kent’s second XI completed the perfect win with a third win in four days against neighbours Essex at Billericay.
After two victories in the T20 double-header at Chelmsford on Monday under the watch of Min Patel, early declarations on the third and final day of the Championship fixture set up an exciting climax.
Needing 300 to win, Essex were within seven overs of salvaging a draw but the tailenders were unable to survive three sessions of accurate bowling from the Kent attack.
Calum Haggett led the way with 3/25 in 14 excellent overs and two wickets apiece for Adam Ball and Imran Qayyum.
Hugh Bernard and Matt Hunn took a scalp each as the visitors rotated the attack.
Adam Ball won the toss on Tuesday morning and opted to bat first, scoring 43 in a patient knock as Kent lost triallist Jonno Lewis and Sean Dickson to the new ball.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Rouse (19) departed one run short of a useful 50-run stand with Ball before some useful resistance.
Calum Haggett’s 35, Dan Lezar (44) and Matt Hunn’s unbeaten 46 pushed Kent's total to 282 with Essex seamer Jamie Porter taking 3/76.
After rain delays on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, both skippers made early declaration to set up the chase on day three.