KENT’S one-day skipper Matthew Fleming praised the contribution of his home grown youngsters David Masters and James Golding after yesterday’s remarkable 68-run Benson & Hedges Cup win in Hampshire.

After posting a modest 50-overs total of 183 for eight, Kent looked all at sea as Hampshire cruised to 49 without loss in reply. But a three-wicket burst from Fleming, coupled with accurate bowling stints from Canterbury-born Golding and Chatham-boy Masters, turned the tide Kent’s way.

"Hampshire got after Dave Masters early on but he came back really well for a second spell and I thought Golding should have at least shared the man-of-the-match award with Paul Nixon," said Fleming after his side’s remarkable debut on the West End stage.

"Goldy bowled eight overs for 24 into a gale-force wind at all their best players, which was a top effort from a young man, not to mention his vital 34 not out with the bat.

"At the interval you would have got very long odds on us winning by almost 70 runs, so I am delighted with the performance although our batting was a little on the thick side at the start of the day."

Kent will keep the same 12-man party together for tomorrow’s second southern zone qualifier against Sussex in Canterbury, but will hope to add England all-rounder Mark Ealham to the squad.

Fleming said: "Ealy had recovered from his broken knuckle and would have played a role today had he not sprained his ankle last Thursday, so we will await his fitness from a test on Tuesday.

"He will have a net with Rob Key in the nets at Canterbury and will be added to the side if he comes through that with no ill effects."

Kent squad: Fulton, Key, Hockley, Smith, Symonds, Walker, Fleming, Nixon, Golding, Saggers, Masters, Tredwell (Ealham).