Exciting starter County edged by four runs in opening contest

DANIEL Bell-Drummond topscored with 60 as Kent Spitfires began their Vitality Blast campaign with an exciting four-run win over reigning champions Gloucestershire at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol.

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The visitors posted an impressive 208-3 after losing the toss, Bell-Drummond and Tawanda Muyeye (42) sharing an opening stand of 98 before Zak Crawley (37) and Joe Denly (48 not out) accelerated in the second half of the innings.

In reply, Gloucestershire managed 204-7, Ollie Price blasting a rapid 51, while Miles Hammond and Ben Charlesworth both made 38. Tom Rogers took 2-22 from four overs.

Gloucestershire skipper Jack Taylor said: “What a first game. It’s always disappointing to be on the losing side, but I think we were a little bit short in all facets of our game tonight.

“It wasn’t a 208 pitch. Maybe more like 180 and if we had kept them down to that we would have won.

“Ollie Price played a fantastic innings to give us hope, but it wasn’t to be. We won't dwell on the defeat, but we know we have to be sharper in all parts of our game.