Kent defeated Essex by 57 runs in a closely fought game of the County Championship Division Two, at the County Ground, Chelmsford in England on Monday. Chasing 285 runs for victory, the hosts were bowled out for 227 in their second innings on the final day’s play.
Earlier, Kent amassed 247 runs in their first innings after electing to bat first. The highlight of the innings was a terrific ton by first-drop batsman Sam Northeast. He scored 112 runs off 170 balls, hitting ten fours and two sixes.
Maurice Chambers bowled well for Essex, taking three wickets in the visitors first innings.
In reply to Kent's first innings total, the hosts got off to a dismal start. However, an unbeaten 88 by Essex captain James Foster guided the team’s total to 201, giving some hope to the side.
Kent scored 238 runs in their second innings and their first innings lead of 46 runs helped them post a target of 285 runs for the home team. The captain of the visiting team, Robert Key, and seasoned campaignerMartin van Jaarsveld scored half-centuries for their team.
Teenager Reece Topley was the pick of the bowlers for his team, taking his maiden five wicket haul for Essex.
Billy Godleman and Alastair Cook started the chase on a positive note for the home team. The pair put together 60 runs for the first wicket before Cook was sent back to the pavilion. The star player scored 31 runs off 51 balls in his innings. His wicket was followed by Jaik Mickleburgh, who managed to add only four runs to the total.
The fall of two quick wickets brought Ravi Bopara to the middle, who managed a 57-run stand with Godleman for the third wicket. However, the Essex opener got out after scoring a valiant 58 runs with the help of nine fours.
After that, none of the Essex batsman managed to make a big impression, and kept on losing wickets after getting starts. Bopara got out after scoring 39 runs whereas Foster managed just 21 runs in his innings. Topley was the last wicket to fall in the day, giving Kent a solid victory.
Fast bowler Robbie Joseph was exceptional with the ball, taking four wickets in the final innings of the match.
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