Last Ball Win For Northants

Kent entered the last match of the One Day season knowing they had already been relegated to the second division after the Champions Glamorgan were heavily defeated the night before. However there was pride to play for and also the small matter of Northants the opposition for the day night match needing to win to assure their own survival in division 1.

Northampton won the toss and decided to have first use of the wicket.

Kent struck almost immediately with Roberts clean bowled with just a run on the board, however Northants battled back with solid partnerships throughout the innings with Afzaal leading the way with a solid 47 before being beaten by the part timer bowler Matthew Walker.

Wicketkeeper Brophy gave invaluable support low down the order with a beautifully paced 42 to help guide the lower order through. Phillips a former Kent player himself blasted a much-needed 44 from a mere 26 deliveries to guide the total beyond the 200 mark.

For Kent Ben Trott was the star with the ball as his seven overs cost just 19 runs taking two key wickets in the process.

Northants 219/7 (45 Overs) - Kent required 220 to win

One fantastically timed innings from Kent's Ed Smith almost saw the side home but a mixture of fine bowling and interesting shot selection from the Kent youngsters allowed Northants to pip Kent at the post.

Ed Smith left it to the last day of the season to hit his first hundred of the season but a rush of blood to the head saw him depart with just 7 more required for victory and ultimately cost not only Kent a victory but sent Warwickshire crashing down into division 2 with them.

Smith's 106 came from just 128 balls with 12 fours and a huge six that took him to three figures, elsewhere in the line up only Loudon's 31 offered any real support.

With just 7 to win from the final over O'Brien wafted at four deliveries coming nowhere close to the ball before taking a cheeky bye, with Ferley on strike needing 5 from 1 ball (4 to tie, would have sent Northants down), but only succeeded in having his stumps rearranged.

Northants had overseas player Louw to thank with a fine last over and Nottinghamshire bound G Swann for keeping it tight in the middle overs.

Match Summary

Northants - 219/7 (45 Overs): Afzaal 47, Phillips 44* & Brophy 42; Trott 2/19 & Walker 2/34

Kent - 215/7 (45 Overs): Smith 106 & Loudon 31; Louw 3/37 & Swann 2/38


Northants Won By 4 Runs


Season Summary

Division One Champions: Glamorgan Dragons

Relegated To Division Two: Kent Spitfire, Warwickshire Bears and Surrey Lions

Posted by Richard