Classy Morgan mauls Kent
England hopeful Eoin Morgan smashed 161 off just 136 balls to propel Middlesex to a convincing victory at Canterbury
England newcomer Eoin Morgan enhanced his fast-growing reputation with a stunning century as Middlesex beat Kent by 80 runs in the Friends Provident Trophy.
The Ireland-born batsman hit 161, sharing a stand of 277 for the third wicket with opener Nick Compton as Middlesex posted 322 for five in the Group B match at Canterbury. Middlesex managed just 242 in reply.
While Compton hit a brilliant 131, he was overshadowed by Morgan. Named in England’s 15-man squad for the World Twenty20 next month, Morgan was outstanding at Canterbury, hitting 19 fours and two sixes off just 136 balls.
Kent slipped to 40 for three in response, and they never threatened Middlesex’s total despite Geraint Jones’ enterprising 57 and 69 off 71 balls from Justin Kemp.
Chris Silverwood, who removed Rob Key and Martin van Jaarsveld early on, and there were two wickets apiece for Danny Evans and Shaun Udal.
Marcus Trescothick and James Hildreth both rapid hundreds as Group B leaders Somerset beat Scotland by 151 runs at Taunton.
The Sabres had no problem making it maximum points from four games after Trescothick (144) and Hildreth (151) had helped them to a massive 403 for three, the highest 50-over score in their history.
Jon Lewis en route to figures of 4-43 as Gloucestershire secured victory over Yorkshire with four balls to spare
The pair shared a second-wicket stand of 270 in 36 overs, while Peter Trego smashed 74 not out off just 39 balls.
In reply, Scotland, who had won the toss, managed 252 for nine, with Gavin Hamilton making 62, Ryan Watson 67 and Neil McCallum 50.
The visitors opted to bat for a respectable score and the outcome was never in doubt as Trego claimed 3-43 and Alfonso Thomas 3-46.
In Group C, Gloucestershire beat Yorkshire by three wickets with four balls remaining at Bristol.
Yorkshire, put in to bat, were reduced to 49 for five before recovering to post 217 for nine.
Jon Lewis (4-43) and James Franklin (3-38) did the bulk of the damage, before Anthony McGrath and Richard Pyrah dug in with 67 apiece in a partnership of 115 for the sixth wicket.
The home side’s response got off to a shaky start as opening duo Hamish Marshall and Kadeer Ali went for 16 and five respectively but Gloucestershire steadied matters before Franklin (51 not out) and Steve Adshead (56) helped see the Gladiators home.
Sussex also have a quarter-final spot in their sights after wrapping up a 56-run victory over Durham at Hove.
Former England batsman Ed Joyce’s 127 helped the home side to 313 for six before James Kirtley took a career-best 6-50 to destroy the Dynamos’ hopes despite opener Phil Mustard’s run-a-ball 92.
