The Royals Triumphant as Spitfires run out of fuel.
On what was a glorious day at the home of cricket, the Royal London One day cup final would unfold. Kent Spitfires take on Hampshire Royals.
Kent won the toss and elected to bowl first. Lords is always a lovely place to bat and the conditions couldn’t be better for both player and spectator.
Hampshire started the day in fine form, opener Rilee Rossouw scored a marvellous 125 to get the royals underway . His opening partner Alsop also played a key part in laying the foundations.
Ex Kent man Northeast received a hostile reception from the Spitfire faithful but would answer his critics with a class knock of 75*. Northeast made the move from Kent to try and get himself into the England fold.
Kents bowling attack left us wanting a bit more. The front line failed to strike early and its a long way back when wickets are in the hut. I think they finished well once they took the pace off the ball, and restricted Hampshire to 330 when 360 looked to be on the cards.
4 wickets from part-time wrist spinner Denly made him pick of the bowlers for Kent. Taking the pace off the ball worked for Kent but I fear they stumbled on this plan too late.
The Reply
After what I assume was a hearty Lords lunch it was Kents chance to entertain.
Openers Kuhn and Bell-Drummond where quick between the wicket and made Hampshire work hard in the field.
Kuhn, the leading run scorer in the competition so far with an impressive average of 98 would see the bails fly before of him as he dived just short of his ground.
Several Kent batsman would come and go, Bell-Drummond was quickly running out of partners.
Hampshire put on a perfect display of both bowling and fielding. Boasting several international capped bowlers including one of the worlds best, South African, Dale Steyn. The class would show as Kent slowly fell behind the required run rate.
Captain Billings would show his hand in an attempt to recover the innings. Playing in typical Billings style this knock was exciting from the off. Sam Billings who has spent some time on the fringe of the England side needs to bat himself into form if he is going to earn a spot in Morgans side.
Four run outs in the Kent innings is inexcusable, you simply cannot give your wickets away like that and expect to win the game. This should not take away from the very impressive fielding display from the Royals with the three direct hits the highlight from James Vince’s side..
Ultimately Kent did not have enough in the tank on this occasion, they would leave themselves too much to do with 5 overs to go. Hampshire batted very well but ultimately it was the fielding display that would win them the game. A young Kent side gave it a go and I predict they will be back in the near future.
Royals win
Hampshire Win by 61 runsÂ
Hampshire have won the Royal London One-day Cup, their first trophy for six years A magnificent effort from with the bat and in the field, where four runs outs – including three direct hits, were the highlight of a fielding masterclass from James Vince’s side.
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