The Spitfire Ground hosts University Varsity matches
Wednesday 18th May 2022
For the first time after COVID-restrictions were lifted at sporting events, The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence played host to Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) and University of Kent (UKC)’s Men’s and Women’s matches in a double-header of T20 matches.
In front of an enthusiastic crowd with staff and students from both establishments, the women’s match kicked the day off at 15:00, with both sides featuring both past and present Kent Women stars.
The Horses’ Jodie Hobson, who was a part of Kent Women’s double-winning side of 2021, starred for CCCU in the opening match, taking 4-9 to skittle UKC for 47 all out, before top scoring with the bat as CCCU finished as 10-wicket winners to claim bragging rights.
After the women’s match came the men’s tie, starting at 18:00, and CCCU completed a ‘double’ over their UKC rivals with a five wicket victory as the sun set and floodlights took hold at The Spitfire Ground.
Harrison Ward blasted a score of 81 runs from only 31 balls to see CCCU over the line, after 3-24 from Harry Harding restricted the University of Kent to 127/7 after their 20 overs.
Kent Cricket’s 2022 President, Yvonne Neame, was on hand to congratulate both winning sides at the end of the evening.
Kent’s Director of Partnerships, Andy Griffiths, said: “It was fantastic to host to institutions of our city, and Club Partners, for a well-fought and well-supported evening of cricket.
“The atmosphere generated was great to witness and hopefully this bodes well for our own T20s this season – we hope to see as many attendees of Varsity back at The Spitfire Ground cheering on Kent Men this season!”
Kent Spitfires begin the defence of their 2021 Vitality Blast title against Somerset at Canterbury on Wednesday 25 May.
