Banton century helps Somerset to Vitality Blast victory over Kent

Somerset 206/8 beat Kent 151 by 55 runs

SOMERSET SUPERB
Somerset finally have the better of Kent. They beat them for the first time since 2011 and for the first time ever at home, triumphing by 55 runs in front of a packed crowd at Taunton, to move up to third in the Vitality Blast South Group.

BANTON BRILLIANT
Tom Banton proved the difference as he struck a magnificent century to propel Somerset to a target far beyond Kent's reach. The young opener square drove his first ball to the boundary and never looked back, unveiling shots of the textbook and audacious variety, with some stunning reverse paddle sweeps. He brought up the century from 51 deliveries with another monster six to a rapturous applause from the Somerset faithful.

CERTAINLY ABELL TO BAT
Captain Tom Abell struck a terrific partnership with Banton, the pair adding 102 for the third wicket. He too looked in mighty fine form as he dispatched Kent all around the park, twice depositing Hardus Vilijoen over the boundary rope on his way to 63 from 33 balls.

GAME OVERTON FOR KENT
If Banton and Abell set the platform, Craig Overton ensured that Kent would have no way back. His fourth over turned the game fully for the West Country, picking up three wickets for just one run. Daniel Bell-Drummond top scored with 36 but he was the first of Overton's victims, before Sam Billings and Mohammad Nabi fell in Overton's final two balls. No opportunity for a hat-trick for the seamer, but rewarding figures of 3-32 in a fantastic win.