Kent beats Worcestershire to avoid relegation

Worcestershire ruined their chances of getting to the top of National League Division One by losing to Kent by 44 runs at Canterbury. This win enabled Kent to avoid relegation.

Worcestershire chasing a target of 229, were all out for 184 in 41 overs. They were 81 no loss in 11 overs at one stage. Jamie Pipe scored 45 in 24 balls and was first out at 81. Then Greame Hick and Vikaram Solanki were both out for ducks. David Leatherdale (6) and Elliot Wilson (0) were dismissed in quick succession. Philip Weston (47), Steve Rhodes (40) and Richard Illingworth (21) fought hard but could only delay the Kent victory. Martin McCague took 3 for 29 while debutant Darren Scott finished with 3 for 21.

Earlier, Kent batted first to score 228 for 8 in 45 overs with Rahul Dravid (104) and Hockley (64) being the chief contributors. The two added 99 runs in 24 overs for the third wicket. Worcestershire dropped Dravid twice when he was on 1 and 67 and paid a big price for those missed chances.