MEMBERS of Kent County Cricket Club will receive a slightly rosier picture than in previous seasons at next Monday's annual meeting at the St Lawrence ground.

The club's bean counters will be delighted to have turned their deficit of £40,123 for 2001 into a small, but creditable net surplus of £13,242 for the last financial year.

Though on-field activities flattered to deceive somewhat, Kent did at least reach their 'first-base' aim of remaining in the top-flight divisions of both county championship and one-day league.

In his annual report ahead of the meeting, outgoing president, Lord Kingsdown, said: "There were a number of notable individual achievements and team successes but these were, in part, offset by stumbles at vital moments."

Though the cricket committee deemed the joint captaincy job-share scheme between David Fulton and Matthew Fleming a success, both supporters and players may well find life a little easier with just Fulton's hand on the tiller for 2003.

In thanking Fleming, who retired after 14-years service of distinction - four of them as skipper - Lord Kingsdown added: "He has been outstanding in all aspects of his leadership and the Kent and English cricket scene will be less exciting with his absence.

The club owes Matthew an enormous debt of gratitude."

The out-going president referred to the poor form of overseas player Andrew Symonds, who returns again this season, but praised the brief contribution made by his international skipper Steve Waugh.

"Andrew had a disappointing season," said Lord Kingsdown of Symonds: "If we are to seriously challenge for trophies in 2003 we need greater consistency from this talented and athletic cricketer."

As for Waugh's sojourn into Kentish cricket, he added: "Steve shared his vast experience freely and our management and players will all undoubtedly have benefited in their different ways.

"In addition, he has opened up an exciting line of communication with the New South Wales Cricket Association."

For the first time in over a decade Monday's meeting, which starts at 7.30pm, is being held at Kent's headquarters in Canterbury to save room-hire costs at the long-time venue in Hollingbourne.