Kent Spitfires to host Suffolk in July

April 29, 2021

SUFFOLK will face Kent Spitfires in a National County match at Beckenham in July.

The showcase match was originally scheduled to take place at Copdock & Old Ipswichian CC last year but was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It has now been scheduled for Tuesday, July 20th as Suffolk, in line with other National Counties, are unable to meet the COVID regulations and guidance that are required to stage such a game.

The 50-overs-a-side fixture, which will start at 11am, will be at The County Ground in Beckenham, where the Spitfires will host their Royal London Cup group games this summer.

Suffolk CCC Chairman Andrew Squire said: “We are delighted to be able to play Kent Spitfires at Beckenham in the current circumstances.

“Having myself played for Suffolk against Somerset at Taunton in the old NatWest Trophy, I know our players will relish the chance to test themselves against a first-class county on their own ground.

“It also provides a great opportunity for our players, especially the younger ones, to showcase their skills against full-time professionals.”

Paul Downton, Kent’s Director of Cricket, said: “The players and coaches were looking forward to making the journey to Suffolk, but the challenges presented by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic mean that hosting this match at Beckenham is now the best option for us from a safety perspective.

“This will be ideal preparation for the Royal London Cup as Beckenham will be our home venue for the Group Stage, and by anchoring our one-day efforts in Metropolitan Kent, we can ensure that COVID regulations and guidance are strictly adhered to.

“We look forward to welcoming the Suffolk players and support staff to Beckenham in July.”

Suffolk and Kent have faced each other only once before, when Colin Cowdrey hit a century in a 113-run Kent victory in the first round of the Gillette Cup at Ipswich School in 1966.

Following the cancellation of this year’s NCCA T20 competition, Suffolk are scheduled to play their first competitive match of the season against Cambridgeshire at Burwell & Exning CC on Bank Holiday Monday, May 31st.

WORDS – NICK GARNHAM

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