Hampshire complete C&G victory at Folkestone

Hampshire duly completed their Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy victory on the reserve day at Folkestone, defeating Kent Cricket Board by eight wickets. Derek Kenway won the Man-of-the-Match Award.

Play did not get underway on Wednesday until 4.00pm, as persistent showers flew over the Cheriton Ground, Folkestone, frustrating two attempts by the umpires to start the proceedings.

Hampshire won the toss and were soon amongst the wickets after sending the home site into bat. John Bowden was the first to go in the unluckiest of fashions, being run out as Mullally touched a return ball from Lincoln to leave the opener stranded. Wickets fell more conventionally throughout the innings, with Chris Tremlett (three for 20) the pick of the bowlers.

Only eight overs were possible before the 8.00pm close, in which Hampshire had made good progress towards their target at 46-1. Laney was the only casualty, trapped lbw in the first over by the former Kent seamer Kevin Masters.

Play started on schedule on the reserve day, and Kenway and Johnson made up for lost time with a series of boundaries against the hapless Cricket Board attack. Kenway was out just short of victory for 76, his Man-of-the-Match performance including 11 fours. Johnson (66) finished the match in style when he struck a massive six off Darren Scott, with Hampshire on the way home after just one hour's play.

They now travel to a much tougher venue, to meet the C & G holders, Somerset, in round four at Taunton.