Kent suffer seven wicket defeat to Sussex in Royal London One-Day Cup
Published: 18:00, 21 April 2019
Updated: 18:26, 21 April 2019
Kent remain winless in the Royal London One-Day Cup this season after losing by seven wickets at home to Sussex Sharks on Sunday.
Matt Renshaw hit his first century for the Spitfires as Kent set a first innings score of 298 after electing to bat first at Beckenham.
Philip Salt spearheaded Sussex's response by firing an unbeaten 137 from 106 balls to help his side chase down their target in 40 overs.
Kent were encouraged by a steady start from Zak Crawley (30) and Sean Dickson (30) as the opening duo reached 60 between them after just 54 deliveries.
Their partnership came to an end when Crawley was trapped lbw by Will Beer, who also dismissed Dickson two overs later thanks to a catch from Ben Brown with the gloves.
Renshaw (109) and Ollie Robinson (46) then supplied a partnership worth 121 to take the hosts to 202-3 after 33 overs before the latter was caught by Beer off the bowling of George Garton (3-42).
Kent's middle order offered little in support as Alex Blake (2), Adam Rouse (7) and Darren Stevens (4) were all sent on their way within the next seven overs.
Renshaw eventually ticked off his maiden ton in Kent colours after 105 balls until he was stopped in his path lbw by Danny Briggs to leave his side on 241-7 off with seven overs remaining.
Harry Podmore (32) and Matt Milnes (19) added to the tally with late knocks as Kent worked towards 298 all out with six balls left in their innings.
Sussex replied emphatically to reach 302 after 40 overs, predominantly thanks to Salt's 137 (13 fours, six sixes) off just 106 balls.
Stevens struck with his first ball of the game when Luke Wright (23) re-directed his delivery into the hands of Milnes to put Sussex on 56-1.
The visitors reached 121-2 from 19 overs before their next wicket fell, with Milnes this time bowling and Podmore catching Laurie Evans out for 46.
Salt was joined by Harry Finch in frustrating Kent as the latter sailed to 89 off just 68 balls by the time he was bowled by Milnes.
Brown contributed three more to help see out the win alongside Salt with 10 overs to spare.
Kent are now set to be boosted by the return of vice-captain Joe Denly when they face Gloucestershire away from home on Tuesday.
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Cameron Hogwood