Kent picked up their first win of pre-season at The Ageas Bowl on Friday with both Ben Harmison and Adam Riley impressing.

In what was the second game against Hampshire in the space of two days, it was Kent that bowled first in the 40 over game with the home side restricted to just 147.

Adam Riley was the pick of the bowlers taking 5 for 26 in James Tredwell’s absence with Calum Haggett once again impressing.

Mark Davies was given a five over spell as once again the captains agreed to allow the use of a twelfth man, with Geraint Jones donning the gloves for the first fifteen overs of the innings allowing Sam Billings to go behind the stumps for the rest of Hampshire’s effort.

With the cold Southampton breeze once again keeping The Ageas Bowl less than spring like, woolly hats and gloves were the order of the day with Jones opting to keep his inners on when fielding.

Kent’s reply started in disastrous fashion with Hampshire restricting them to 14 for 4 at one point, but Harmison showed calmness under pressure as he compiled 69.

It was Adam Ball (31 not out) and Matt Coles at the crease when Kent made it to the target with an over to spare.

Kent now have the weekend off before facing Surrey over two days at Canterbury beginning on Tuesday with James Tredwell now back in the country to take over the captaincy.

Speaking exclusively to Kent Sports News after the game, stand in skipper Geraint Jones stated how happy he was with how things had gone over the past couple of days:

“It was a great workout for the boys. We got what we wanted out of the two days with everyone getting a go. The bowlers got some overs under their belts with Adam Riley and Calum Haggett really impressing me.”

“In what was difficult conditions to bat with the wicket being slightly sticky, it was good to see Ben Harmison bat so well in what was one of his better innings for Kent.”

“Adam Ball showed calmness under pressure at the end there too to see us over the line and games like this will stand us in good stead for the next few weeks.”

 

 

Hampshire – 147 all out

Kent 149 for 8

Kent side: Sam Billings, Rob Key, Alex Blake, Darren Stevens, Brendan Nash, Ben Harmison, Geraint Jones, Adam Ball, Calum Haggett, Matt Coles, Adam Riley (& Mark Davies).

Picture supplied by www.sarahansellphotography.com