Seconds suffer T20 defeat despite spirited displays
Although there were some useful individual performances, Kent’s Second XI suffered their second defeat in successive days, losing by seven wickets to Sussex, in their South Group T20 match at Polo Farm, Canterbury.
After their 34 run loss to Surrey, at New Malden, the side were hoping to bounce back with a victory, but Sussex, set 181 to win, got over the line with an over to spare.
After winning the toss and batting first Kent’s innings got off to the worst possible start losing three wickets for 20 runs in the first four overs of the match.
All-rounder Marcus O’Riordan steadied the innings with a well struck 41 runs, and Kent finally reached a respectable total of 180 for 8 from their 20 overs, thanks to a sixth wicket partnership of 98 between Harry Podmore, 58, with six boundaries and two sixes, and South African Under-19 international Jacob Miltz, playing his first game for the Second XI, who made 52 with five fours and two sixes. For Sussex there were three wickets apiece for Henry Crocombe and James Coles.
Sussex paced their innings perfectly finishing on their victory total of 184 for 3 from 19 overs.
Their 20-year-old opening batsman, Ali Orr, was undefeated on 87 not out, having steered his side to victory with an innings that included five fours and the same number of sixes. Hamid Qadri, Jarred Lysaught and Podmore took the three wickets to fall in the Sussex innings.
Kent Seconds conclude their T20 campaign this week with three matches at The County Ground, Beckenham, all behind-closed-doors. On Wednesday, June 16, Middlesex are the visitors, and the following day, Thursday, June 17 there is a double header against Hampshire with morning and afternoon matches.
By Peter Burrowes
Be in with a chance of winning Darren Stevens’ signed match-worn Vitality Blast shirt by buying any piece of Samurai Sportswear Kent Cricket merchandise online or in-store before 18 July.
Purchase your Samurai Sportswear Kent Cricket merchandise here >>>