Heartbreak for Lancs as Kent end poor run to win Royal Cup decider

CRICKET

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KENT ended a run of eight consecutive defeats in one-day finals as they overcame favourites Lancashire to win the Royal London Cup decider at Trent Bridge.

Always the bridesmaids since lifting the Benson and Hedges Cup in 1978, Kent defended a total of 306 for six by bowling out Lancashire for 285 to win by 21 runs.

Joey Evison, the 20-year-old all-rounder playing on what is still his home ground ahead of his move from Nottinghamshire to Kent for next season, scored a brilliant 97, took two for 29 and held one of a number of excellent catches by his team.

Kent's strike bowlers Grant Stewart and Nathan Gilchrist then took three wickets each as Lancashire's hopes of winning a 12th one-day final were ended, despite skipper Keaton Jennings and veteran all-rounder Steven Croft each scoring 72.