BEYOND THE BOUNDARY

IT WAS fun to witness the friendly by-play between former Kent and England all-rounder Mark Ealham and his ex-county team mates during the clash at Trent Bridge.

The Kent players arrived in the historic away dressing rooms at the Nottinghamshire Test venue to find the door and wall adorned with a promotional poster showing Ealham toasting his new side’s double promotion year of 2004 with champagne.

To have their own back, Kent’s players photocopied a picture of two Sumo wrestlers in action and pinned it on the players’ notice board adding the caption: "Good to see ‘Ealy’ fit again and back in action!"

* KENT all-rounder Matt Dennington may be on the look at for a new bat soon with news that the ICC and MCC are to investigate the legality of certain Kookaburra branded blades.

Dennington uses the same type of bat as Australian slipper Ricky Ponting, which has a carbon fibre film backing to the blade which the maker’s claim adds power to each shot.

The ICC have asked the MCC to set up a sub-committee in order to adjudicate on the bat, presumably before England take on Ponting’s Aussies in this year’s Ashes series. Perfect timing I’d say!

* THE Festival season is upon us with rhododendrons at Tunbridge Wells to look forward to this week then the leafy view from The Tabernacle at The Mote for the first week in June.

In advance of Kent’s trip to the county town congratulations must go to the stalwarts of Maidstone Rugby Club who, I'm led to believe, celebrate their 125th summer of supporting Kent cricket at Maidstone Cricket Week.

Once again the red, black and white flag will be flying over their club marquee, dodgy stripy ties and blazers will also be to the fore, but there are few better or friendlier places from which to watch the cricket. Visitors will be welcomed with open arms and wallets duly prized open.

* FINALLY, a well done to Kent’s officials for taking swift action over a recent diary item regarding the absense of the county’s famous flag at away matches.

I’m delighted to report the rampant Invicta flew and prevailed both in Derby and Nottingham. Let us hope that trend continues.