KENT began their defence of the under-17 women's national crickettitle with a resounding win over Middlesex at Ealing.

Put into bat by Middlesex, Kent were soon in trouble losing three of their higher order bats for nine runs. After five overs, Kent were 34 for three, with most of the runs coming from the extras.

Captain Moira Comfort and wicketkeeper Nikki Collins slowed the game down, Collins hitting a splendid 57, Jo Watts 31, Nat Seymour 29, and Comfort 16.

Jessica Riley then spent 10 overs playing the ball to all parts of the ground, finally being caught off the last ball of the innings for 78. Kent were 298 all out.

Middlesex opening bat Shepperd was finally caught off the last ball of their innings for a fine 130 but the rest of the team supplied only 22 runs, with 14 extras, as they were all out for 166.

There were two catches by Sarah Cashman at silly mid-on, and a stumping by Nikki Collins, while Nat Seymour, Sarah Lovegrove, and Steff Purdy each took two wickets, Comfort, Watts, and Taylor one apiece.

Team: Moira Comfort (Capt), Sarah Cashman, Nikki Collins (wkt), Jo Lovegrove, Sarah Lovegrove, Stephanie Purdy, Jessica Riley, Natalie Seymour, Emma Smith, Catherine Taylor, and Jo Watts.