ALTHOUGH the previous two weeks had seen an upturn in results for Kent, there was still no chance of qualification for the quarter-finals in the county T20 tournament.

As a result, head coach Jimmy Adams and captain James Tredwell decided to continue handing first team experience to the next generation of Kent cricket and Fabien Cowdrey took full advantage of the opportunity.

His form for Lordswood CC in the Kent League, and for the county second XI side including a recent double century, earned him a debut the previous week.

His 21 at Southampton was followed by two more good performances last week.

Cowdrey’s 40 off 21 deliveries at the start of the innings against Sussex was supplemented by a thrilling 67 not out off 44 deliveries from Darren Stevens to allow Kent to reach a solid 173 for the loss of three wickets.

Despite a fighting 67 from Matt Machan, consistent bowling from the six Kent bowlers ensured the Spitfires supporters left Canterbury happy.

On Friday, the Spitfires visited the Oval and had the Surrey team, laden with internationals, under pressure until they squeezed home with five balls to spare thanks to explosive hitting from former Kent all rounder Azhar Mahmood.

Once again, Cowdrey improved on his highest first team score with 50 but despite Stevens and Ben Harmison plundering 20 off Mahmood’s final over, 140 to win looked to be well within Surrey’s range.

Stevens and Alex Riley each took two inexpensive wickets, and Cowdrey his first for the county, as Kent had the hosts in some strife before Mahmood, 47 not out off 31 deliveries, saw them home by five wickets.

And Kent came off second best again last night with a 62-run home defeat at the hands of Hampshire Royals.

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