KENT suffered relegation for the first time since the inception of two-divisional cricket at the weekend when Gloucestershire held their nerve to secure a three-wicket totesport League win over Warwickshire.

The result ended Kent’s hopes of overhauling their fellow strugglers and condemned David Fulton’s side to life in Division 2 next summer.

The victory lifted Gladiators to fourth in the division with 31 points having now completed their 16 fixtures.

Though Kent can still draw level on points with sixth-placed Northamptonshire should they win Tuesday night’s floodlit encounter in Canterbury, Kent cannot match the Steelbacks number of seven wins or match their far superior run-rate.

With Surrey and Kent now resigned to their fate, Essex, Warwickshire and Northants will now fight to stay out of the one remaining relegation berth

In an effort to maintain interest in Tuesday’s day-night game, which starts at 4.10pm and is being televised by Sky Sports, Kent are hoping to parade the county’s three Olympic medal winners during the mid-game interval.

Canterbury-based modern pentathlete Georgina Hardland and Tonbridge canoeist Ian Wynne, both bronze medallists in Athens, have already confirmed their attendance.

The club also remain confident that, despite huge demands on her time, double gold medallist Kelly Holmes will also accept their invitation.