KENT are expecting to return to The Mote next summer following the success of Sunday’s National League game that concluded an otherwise rain-ruined Maidstone Cricket Week.

A crowd approaching 3,000 watched Spitfires’ win over Durham which, coupled with a good attendance for the second day of the Warwickshire championship clash, have convinced Kent to return to the county town in 2003 – despite estimated costs of £20,000 in staging festival week cricket in Maidstone.

"At this stage I’m sure Kent cricket will be back at The Mote next season," said Kent chief executive Paul Millman. "It was disappointing to lose two days to rain, but I was encouraged by Sunday’s gate and a good atmosphere for our match with Durham so it’s by no means all gloom and doom."

Mr Millman has dismissed claims by a national newspaper that the county may lose £25,000 on this year’s Maidstone Festival Week, preferring instead to reflect on an ever-improving relationship with the host club and Maidstone Borough Council.

"There’s no doubt that but for the support of the council this year’s festival would have come under severe financial pressure," he added. "These are partnerships we want to build on by continuing to bring cricket to The Mote, but in doing so we have to take all considerations into account and the potential for bad weather is just one of them.

"The damage was done by losing Wednesday and Friday to rain, but that financial damage was limited to an extent by good crowds on Sunday and Thursday."