Second XI end season with Essex win at Folkestone
Kent’s second XI capped off their season with a fine nine-wicket win against Essex at Folkestone.
The hosts bowled out the visitors twice before Callum Jackson and academy scholar Ollie Robinson reached a modest target of 71 to win.
Matt Hunn (4-41) was the pick of the attack, supported by Charlie Hartley and Hugh Bernard before a fine spell of 3/7 in 4.2 overs from Adam Riley ended the resistance.
The seamers shared the spoils on the first morning with 4/35 for Sam Weller and three apiece for Ivan Thomas and Hugh Bernard as Essex were dismissed for 164 with ‘keeper Callum Jackson pouching five catches behind the stumps.
In reply, Jackson (83) led the charge with support from Alex Blake (44) and Calum Haggett (33) as Kent gained a 85-run advantage.
Essex fared no better second time round as Kent’s bowlers restricted the scoring to set up a comfortable win.
On the third day, Kent beat Essex in two back-to-back T20s at Folkestone.
Batting first in the opening game, Callum Jackson scored 68 off 58 balls before Adam Rouse smashed 41 off 22 balls in a score of 168 for five.
Aron Nijjar (47) and Kishan Velani (45) score 88 in ten overs before Kent restricted Essex to 57 for six in the second half.
Imran Qayyum (2/23) made the initial breakthrough before a fine spell of 4/24 from Kent Cricket Academy scholar Marcus O’Riordan sealed the win.
There were wickets for Calum Haggett and Sam Weller with Hugh Bernard conceding just 18 runs from four overs.
In the second match, Imran Qayyum grabbed 5/11 to help dismiss the visitors for just 102.
Matt Hunn (1/16) and Calum Haggett (1/19) made early in-roads before a fine spell from Ivan Thomas (2/7) left Essex on the ropes.
Kent chased the target with almost four overs to spare to clinch a six-wicket win.