KENT are bidding for a place in the final of the Over 50 National Cricket Cup again after overwhelming Suffolk at Bromley.

Last year's appearance in the final ended in defeat by Lancashire, but the boys are back in harness, into the last four and determined to go one better this time. They meet Cheshire away in the semi-final on Sunday.

The Saga-sponsored team went through their seven-game qualifying group unbeaten.

An early win against Hertfordshire was so comfortable that special arrangements were needed to open the bar early.

For sure the social side of the games plays a key part in the team's enjoyment, but it is the pride in the level of performance that really lights up the old eyes.

When former Kent and England opener Brian Luckhurst played for the side a few years back, he said in overall terms it was the best cricket in which he had ever played.

The Hertfordshire win was followed by the defeat of Middlesex who included former West Indies batsman Alvin Kallicharan.

In contrast to some counties Kent's are not a team of former county players and men who played for their country, but a close-knit group of high-quality club players who are still holding their own in weekend games at Forester Kent League level.

Captain Chris Swadkin, who scored centuries in the group win against Essex and in the 114-run voctory over Suffolk, is still holding down a place in the 1st XI at Blackheath.

Gravesend's Keith Wooding was the top scorer in the 2nd XI Division 1 averages last season with over 700 runs, more than 150 clear of his closest challenger. He recently notched up his 150th century.

Competition for places is fierce. Team manager Len Morris laughingly says there are more 49-year-olds going to nets than ever before and there is even a "development squad" in the Kent over-50s 2nd XI, whose competition allows two players in their 50th year to take part prior to qualifying for the main competition at their next birthday.

Last year's champions Lancashire are already out and a place in the final on Sunday, September 9, beckons with the draw giving Kent home advantage if they get that far.