A destructive innings from all-rounder Alex Blake (151) condemned Hampshire Second XI to a 212-run defeat against a strong Kent Second XI side in their 50-over fixture at Polo Farm.

The exceptional Blake, whose knock came from just 93 balls, partnered with Adam Ball (103) excellently as the pair shared a 218-run stand on their way to impressive centuries to guide Kent to 367-9.

Hampshire then struggled in their reply, despite a well-made half-century from Joe Weatherley (65), as off-spinner Fabian Cowdrey (4-26) picked up vital wickets to see Hampshire come up well short to finish 155 all-out.

The hosts got off to a less than ideal start with Ryan Stevenson (3-60) and Brad Wheal (1-50) picking up a wicket each to reduce Kent to 21-2 early, however Ball and Blake’s mammoth partnership soon put Hampshire on the back-foot.

A sensational display of power-hitting ensured Kent scored at a rapid rate and although the duo both fell before the innings concluded, the platform set by their centuries helped the home-side to an imposing total.

First-class veteran seamer Mitch Claydon (3-37) did the damage to begin and the visitors soon found themselves 89-4 with the required rate ever increasing.

Weatherley battled well to pass his half-century however when he departed, so did the hopes of Hampshire victory and as no other batsman was able to reach a notable landmark the score soon moved from 93-6 to 155 all out to see the away-side fall to defeat. 

Words: Will Brewster