Lancashire start their defence of title with a eight-wicket win

Batting first Kent managed to score more than their total in the first game against Nottinghamshire. This time, however, 114 for 7 was not enough to beat a near full strength Lancashire side. Things started well for Kent whose openers looked solid and after four overs were 20 for 0. Alex Hartley who was overlooked by England this week struck in her first over as she bowled Phoebe Franklin.
Hartley bowled well and in her second over got her second wicket. While the gap between county and international cricket is well documented, Hartley looked every bit the England player that won the World Cup. Again, the middle overs were a struggle for Kent. Much rested on Alice Davidson-Richards who batted most of the innings before being run out for 43 with a ball to go.
It enabled Kent to reach 114 for 7. Lancashire have some a quality top order and their opening pair of Evelyn Jones and Emma Lamb set about their target with relish. As they saw off the powerplay overs to be 35 for.
When Jones was out trying to clear deep mid-wicket, Shachi Pai came in and supported Lamb. Before Lamb was out for 41. It was another good innings from the England Academy player, who has been in a good vein of form this season. Ellie Threlkeld joined Pai and the two never looked like getting out even if the scoring slowed for a while.
Lancashire finally reached the finish line with 14 balls to spare, to win by 8 wickets. Lancashire looks a very organised team with good game plans and they executed it well today.
With another game against Nottinghamshire, the momentum of such a convincing win should set them up well.