KENT veterans won the national over-50 competition for the third time when they defeated Sussex by 37 runs in the final at Bromley.

Batting first on a slow wicket after winning the toss on Sunday, Kent totalled 234 for four in their 45 overs with Jim Howgego (Ashford) being the lynchpin of the innings with 112.

Howgego hit a six and nine fours and shared in a second wicket stand of 91, which featured some superb running between the wickets, with captain Chris Swadkin (45). John Hornsby (Sevenoaks Vine) was unbeaten on 37.

Sussex, including former Tunbridge Wells player Bob Phillips, were dismissed for 197 after a hard-hitting ninth wicket stand between Lock (35) and Chitty (22).

Staplehurst pair Colin Breed and Mike Thorndycraft, John Wakeman (Shipbourne), Chris Mendham (Downham and Bellingham) and Swadkin each took two wickets.

Kent over-50s 2nd team face Hertfordshire in the final of the A competition at Three Bridges, Sussex on Sunday (noon). Kent: Percy Drummond (Catford Wanderers), Peter Eames (Bidborough), Dorrington Ralph (Catford Wanderers), Mike Baldock (Tunbridge Wells), Gordon Watts (Horton Kirby), Colin Breed (Staplehurst), Tony Rose (Holmesdale), Ian Newman (Catford Wanderers), Duncan Spencer (Gravesend), Ted Capon (City of London), Keith Millen (Staplehurst).