Kent edge towards title

7 September 2009

The LV= Women's County Championship will be decided on the final day of the season after both Kent and Sussex won their penultimate fixtures.

Leaders Kent eased to a comfortable six-wicket win over Somerset which maintained their 20-point lead over holders Sussex who themselves beat Nottinghamshire.

The top two sides meet on Sunday with Kent knowing that one bonus point will be enough for them to regain the trophy they won in 2006 and 2007.

Lydia Greenway put on 64 with captain Charlotte Edwards to ensure Kent's title charge remained on track

Kent maintained their impressive 100 per cent win record by easing past Somerset.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, Kent took wickets on a regular basis before eventually bowling out the hosts for just 101.

Charlotte Anneveld was the pick of the attack with 4-17 from ten overs while Emily Gerke and captain Charlotte Edwards both picked up two wickets apiece.

For Somerset only Elwyn Campbell showed any form with the bat - her 27 was one of only three double-figure scores.

In reply Kent soon slipped to 12 for two but the England duo of Edwards and Lydia Greenway took their side to the brink of victory with a 64-run partnership.

Kent lost two more wickets but Edwards remained until the end, finishing on 38 not out to see her side over the line.

Sussex had little trouble beating Nottinghamshire to retain a slender hope of keeping hold of the title they won last year.

Visitors Nottinghamshire won the toss, elected to bat first and were in a good position at 121 for two thanks to Amanda Bacon's 52.

But after Bacon became one of three victims for the impressive Charlotte Russell, Nottinghamshire needed a late flurry of boundaries from Lilly Brown to get them to 170 for nine. Caroline Atkins and Alexia Walker both took two wickets.

Sussex's four England internationals ensured it was a successful chase, the hosts cantering him with 9.3 overs remaining.

Atkins top-scored with 60, Laura Marsh was unbeaten on 34 while Sarah Taylor and Rosalie Birch also chipped in.