Kent v Essex Monday, 5 June
There was a frustrating end to the climax of the South East Group T20 Championship. Rain came before Essex could complete their innings, so the points had to be shared.
But there were rewards. This was Kent women’s first appearance under lights at the Spitfire Ground Canterbury, and around 300 people turned out to see if the Horses could secure another trophy.
Essex owed their good start again to Catherine Dalton who batted right through to reach 52* in 16 overs. But a second dose of rain proved terminal.
Alexa Stonehouse, following in Tash Farrant’s footsteps with her left-arm over quicks, cleaned up the other opener Emma Jones in her first over to finish with 1-4. Grace Poole kept Dalton useful company (19), until Mia Rogers hung on to an excellent catch standing up to the pacey Ryana Macdonald Gay.
Kalea Moore confirmed her promise as an off-spinner; she was the only bowler to complete her four overs, returning an economical 1-19.
Grace Scrivens was rewarded for her highly promising progress this season by being given the Kent captaincy. At the age of 17 she must be one of the youngest cricketers ever to lead a county.
Despite the early end the Horses already had enough points in the stable to ensure they cantered off with this trophy once more.
Final Table W L A Pts
Kent 6 0 2 26
Surrey 4 3 1 17
Hampshire 3 3 2 14
Sussex 3 3 2 14
Middlesex 3 4 1 13
Essex 0 6 2 2
The third column shows that the weather could almost claim top spot; it accounted for five unfinished games.
