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Adam Ball celebrates the wicket of Zafar Ansari Picture: Barry Goodwin
Kent Spitfires claimed their opening win of the Friends Life T20 after thrashing Surrey by eight wickets at Beckenham on Sunday with 22 balls to spare.
After losing their first game against Sussex to the weather on Tuesday, Kent made the perfect start to this season’s campaign when Mark Davies had Jason Roy caught by skipper Rob Key from the first ball of the match.
Surrey skipper Rory Hamilton-Brown had won the toss and decided to bat first but he must have had second thoughts when Matt Coles claimed his wicket to leave Surrey 13-2.
Adam Ball took the wickets of Tom Maynard and Matthew Spriegel, while Sam Billings ran out the dangerous Steven Davies for 31 from 27 balls.
Gary Wilson hit four boundaries and a six in his 53 not out from 43 balls to help guide Surrey to 116-7.
Azhar Mahmood took 2-12 at the death, while Davies bowled out for 1-17 at the start of the innings. Ball finished with 2-23 and James Tredwell an economical 0-18 from his four overs.
In reply, Spitfires were 24-0 after three overs but their progress was checked when Billings was trapped in front by Jade Dernbach for 18 and Mahmood made only six after coming in at No.3.
Darren Stevens and anchorman Key steadied the ship, although the scoring rate slowed down as spin bowling proved effective and Dernbach – who was released from the England one-day squad to play in the game – difficult to get away at times.
But after reaching 71-2 in 12 overs, Kent pressed the accelerator again and raced through to their victory target.
Key reached his half-century as Kent closed in on victory and the skipper finished unbeaten on 51 at the close.
Stevens finished the game with a six – his fourth of the innings – as he hit 43 from 25 balls and Spitfires 120-2 in 16.2 overs.
Monday, June 18 2012
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Source: www.kentonline.co.uk
Queen’s Police Medal for Hailsham police officer - Lewes Today
A SUSSEX Police officer from Hailsham with a passion to help young people has been awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in the Birthday Honours List announced on Saturday, June 16.
PC Kate Brookman has been the Neighbourhood Schools Officer covering south Wealden for 17 years.
But to the thousands of children she works with and those who have grown up, she’s known as ‘PC Kate’.
PC Brookman said: “It started when I went to my first school assembly for children aged only four or five. I thought it would be simpler for them to remember my first name, but it was also important to keep the ‘PC’. I wanted them to learn that police are people who are friendly and who they can trust.
“Since then, it’s stuck! In the local area, everyone calls me that. Some of the young people I used to work with now have children of their own at school, so there are whole generations who call me ‘PC Kate’. I love it, but it’s sometimes confusing when people come to the police station or call asking for me.”
PC Kate first joined Sussex Police as a special constable, because she wanted to see what it was like before deciding if it was the right choice for her. She has been a full-time officer for 26 years - with roles including neighbourhood officer in Eastbourne, communications officer at Gatwick and crime scene support officer - before she found her passion working with young people.
Talking about what she enjoys most about her role, she added: “I am lucky to meet so many great young people, especially as they can unfairly get a bad name from others. I feel privileged already to work with them, so could hardly believe when I was told I’d be receiving an honour from the Queen.
“Of course, I also help schools and families deal with some really difficult issues. What makes me most proud is when I can help a young person through a really rough patch or when they come back when they’re older and tell me I helped keep them on the right path and out of trouble.
“I’m a huge believer in working with the community. The police cannot identify issues or solve problems on our own. I am lucky to have schools who phone me regularly, shops that let me know what’s going on, not to mention all the assistance from young people’s families and friends and the wider public.
“The world changes, but young people and their issues stay largely the same. I’m still doing the safety talks in schools and speaking with head teachers like I did 17 years ago, but these days I also have 1,900 Facebook friends who I share advice with and who sometimes ask me for help.”
PC Kate Brookman is married to Sussex Police officer Chief Inspector Steve Brookman, who works in the Operational Communications Department, and they have two teenage boys. Her family are excited to be accompanying her to Buckingham Palace later in the year where she will receive the honour.
Chief Constable Martin Richards said: “I am delighted that Kate’s passion to serve her local community has been recognised. The way Kate has dedicated her career to working with young people - from giving them the knowledge to stay safe at a very young age through to helping them during really challenging times in later years - is an inspiration to us all.”
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Print this pageSource: www.sussexexpress.co.uk
Sussex Cricket League round-up - littlehamptongazette.co.uk
CURRENT champions Hastings Priory continue to lead the Sussex Premier League after enjoying their fifth outright win of the season.
Preston Nomads, champions for the previous three seasons lie in second place, they, too, have won five games. Third-placed Roffey suffered their first defeat of the season at home to East Grinstead.
Horsham enjoyed a comfortable win at home to Bexhill to consolidate fourth place whilst the battle at the bottom saw Eastbourne win for the first time this season in their away game at Worthing.
Another fine innings from Kirk Werners set up Hastings for a convincing home win against Chichester. The young Sussex all-rounder made 109 not out as Hastings were dismissed for 195.
John Morgan made 38 as Aussie Adam Zampa grabbed 4 for 78.
Morgan then stepped up with the ball to take 7 for 38 and with Werners taking 3 for 16 the visitors crashed to 59 all out.
Joe Gatting used his day off from county duties to whack a 63-ball century to take Preston Nomads to victory by four wickets at home to Brighton and Hove.
Brighton were bowled out for 198 despite 76 from Craig Young and 31 from Tim Jarvis, Carl Simon taking 5 for 39.
Gatting then hit 106 despite being dropped a costly three times. Rob Wakeford added 35 not out as Chris Liddle and Matt Wood each took two wickets.
Another Sussex youngster proved the match winner for East Grinstead at Roffey.
Will Adkin carried his bat for 86 not out as Grinstead made 176 for 6 facing a Roffey score of 175 for 6 declared.
For Roffey, Michael Norris made 44 and Christ Plaister 32 as Craig Fowle took 4 for 62.
Adkin was dropped twice early in his innings but played a mature innings to see his side home despite drizzle and poor light for much of the time.
Andy McGorian and Stuart Whittingham each took two wickets for the home side.
Bexhill are finding life in the Premier League a tough battle after their promotion last year.
At Horsham they were dismissed for 138 despite 31 from skipper Malcolm Johnson and 26 from Tom Powell. Two leg spinners did the damage, Michael Munday taking 3 for 39 and Will Beer 2 for 21.
In reply, Horsham cruised to 142 for 2 in just 25 overs as James Johnson made 60 not out and John Burroughs 40.
The Sussex success story continued as Luke Wells made 130 for Eastbourne at Worthing to take his side to their first win of the season.
Eastbourne looked in trouble at 30 for 3 but Aaron Mullins (55) joined Wells to rebuild the innings, Luke Vinter took 3 for 55 for Worthing.
Worthing then tumbled to 112 all out as Ed Giddins took 4 for 28.
Three Bridges continue to lead Division 2 by 21 points despite being held to a draw at Findon.
Bridges were dismissed for 168 as Jack Metters took 4 for 31.
Mick Demetriou then held the Findon innings together as they reached stumps at 132 for 8, he made 76.
Glynde, who finished third last season, are currently in second place following a six wicket win at Haywards Heath who they bowled out for 145.
In that total Ollie Graham top scored with 32 as Dale Tranter took 3 for 62.
Glynde them moved smoothly to 146 for 4 with 49 from Dominic Shepheard and 35 not out from Ollie Bailey.
St James’s lie third following their draw at Cuckfield where the home side made 209 with a hard hit 48 from Jamie Newson as George Taylor took 5 for 42.
In the visitors’ 189 for 8 Adam Davies made 31 as Ebrel Erwee took 4 for 60.
Ifield found it very easy at home to Sidley who they bowled out for just 122. Sam Steel was top scorer, he made 25 as Dan Groves took 3 for 36.
Raza Alli with 51 not out and Jovan Nel (53) took the home side to victory by nine wickets at 123 for 1.
Goring made short work of dismissing Pulborough for just 94 as Ellis Woolley took 4 for 19 and Matt Keen 4 for 34.
The home side then won by five wickets at 85 for 5 with 27 from Dan Pitham, Kuldeep Rawat took 3 for 43.
All league positions in Division 3 West remain unchanged after each of the top five beat one of the bottom five.
Middleton’s Brandon Hanley enjoyed a fine all round game top scoring with 69 in their 218-9. Ben Hansford added 56 whilst Slinfold’s Guy Thorne took 4-68.
In reply, Slinfold were blown away for just 50 as Hanley’s 4-28 was surpassed by Tom Davies who took 6-17.
Bognor remain second just three points behind after an equally resounding victory at home to Wisborough Green. The visitors were bowled out for just 89 with Elliott Clarke making 45 as Bognor won by seven wickets.
Billingshurst also scored a maximum after a four-wicket success at Arundel. Arundel’s 149 was marked by Dhanushka Mitipolaarachchi snaring 5-30 and Mike Burroughs 50 not out led them to victory.
Stirlands remain fourth after a 131-run win at Littlehampton. Sean Heather (129) also scored a personal fourth (century in succession) and, as last week was ably supported by Will Gubbins with 73 not out.
Stirlands declared on 241-4 and bowled out Littlehampton for 110 with Chris May taking 3-11.
The result left Littlehampton pointless from the game and rooted at the foot of the table.
Steyning won a relatively low scoring game at Pagham making just 144. Pagham however were knocked over for just 92 after 6-37 from Matheesha Ranasinghe.
Source: www.littlehamptongazette.co.uk
Queen’s birthday honours for wildlife expert and PC Kate! - eastbourneherald.co.uk
THE man who founded the East Sussex Wildlife Rescue and Ambulance Service along with a Hailsham police officer have been honoured in the Queen’s birthday honours list.
Trevor Weeks who founded the East Sussex WRAS in 1996, is to receive an MBE, while PC Kate Brookman, who has been a Neighbourhood Schools Officer covering south Wealden for 17 years, has been awarded the Queen’s Police Medal.
Eastbourne-born Trevor has spent all of his life living in East Sussex, and was just 13-years-old when he first became involved with wildlife rescue and conservation work.
It is estimated that Trevor has now been on call helping wildlife in need for over 145,000 hours for the Stone Cross-based charity and helped rescue approximately 50,000 animals over the last 27 years.
He said that he would not be receiving this award if it was not for the help and support of WRAS’s supporters, its volunteers and committee.
The first he knew of the honour was a letter from the Cabinet Office a month ago. He said: “I opened the letter whilst in a long queue of traffic on my way to the Casualty Centre one morning, I had to pull over into a lay-by to re-read it several times. To say the least, I was shocked. I never thought I would ever be accepted for anything like this. I feel privileged to be named for such an prestigious award.”
Trevor is now awaiting an invitation to an investiture ceremony organised by the Central Chancery of the Order of Knighthood at St James’s Palace. Once this has taken place WRAS hope to hold a small celebration as a thank you to its supporters and volunteers.
He added: “I would like to express my personal thanks to all our loyal volunteers and supporters without whom WRAS would not exist and my role helping wildlife would not be possible. I do not see this award as being mine, but as a national acknowledgement of everyone past and present who have helped make me who I am and have made my involvement in WRAS what it is today.
“I feel deeply honoured to receive this award, and I hope this will help bring in funding and prove our commitment to help wildlife in need.”
PC Kate Brookman has worked with thousands of children over many years and is affectionately known as ‘PC Kate’.
She explained: “It started when I went to my first school assembly for children aged only four or five. I thought it would be simpler for them to remember my first name, but it was also important to keep the ‘PC’. I wanted them to learn that police are people who are friendly and who they can trust.
“Since then, it’s stuck! In the local area, everyone calls me that. Some of the young people I used to work with now have children of their own at school, so there are whole generations who call me ‘PC Kate’. I love it, but it’s sometimes confusing when people come to the police station or call asking for me!”
PC Kate first joined Sussex Police as a special constable, because she wanted to see what it was like before deciding if it was the right choice for her. She has been a full-time officer for 26 years - with roles including neighbourhood officer in Eastbourne, communications officer at Gatwick and crime scene support officer - before she found her passion working with young people.
Talking about what she enjoys most about her role, she added: “I am lucky to meet so many great young people, especially as they can unfairly get a bad name from others. I feel privileged already to work with them, so could hardly believe when I was told I’d be receiving an honour from the Queen.
“Of course, I also help schools and families deal with some really difficult issues. What makes me most proud is when I can help a young person through a really rough patch or when they come back when they’re older and tell me I helped keep them on the right path and out of trouble.
“I’m a huge believer in working with the community. The police cannot identify issues or solve problems on our own. I am lucky to have schools who phone me regularly, shops that let me know what’s going on, not to mention all the assistance from young people’s families and friends and the wider public.
“The world changes, but young people and their issues stay largely the same. I’m still doing the safety talks in schools and speaking with head teachers like I did 17 years ago, but these days I also have 1,900 Facebook friends who I share advice with and who sometimes ask me for help.”
PC Kate Brookman is married to Sussex Police officer Chief Inspector Steve Brookman, who works in the Operational Communications Department, and they have two teenage boys. Her family are excited to be accompanying her to Buckingham Palace later in the year where she’ll receive the honour.
Chief Constable Martin Richards adds: “I am delighted that Kate’s passion to serve her local community has been recognised. The way Kate has dedicated her career to working with young people - from giving them the knowledge to stay safe at a very young age through to helping them during really challenging times in later years - is an inspiration to us all.”
Source: www.eastbourneherald.co.uk
Sussex League round up: Horsham back to winning ways - wscountytimes.co.uk
Horsham recorded a comfportable win in the Sussex Premier League on Saturday, as Roffey suffered a first defeat of the season.
Current Champions Hastings Priory continue to lead after enjoying their fifth outright win of the season.
Preston Nomads, champions for the previous three seasons lie in second place, they, too, have won five games. Third placed Roffey suffered their first defeat of the season at home to East Grinstead.
Horsham enjoyed a comfortable win at home to Bexhill to consolidate fourth place whilst the battle at the bottom saw Eastbourne win for the first time this season in their away game at Worthing.
Another fine innings from Kirk Werners set up Hastings for a convincing home win against Chichester. The young Sussex all-rounder made 109 not out as Hastings were dismissed for 195.
John Morgan made 38 as Aussie Adam Zampa grabbed 4 for 78.
Morgan then stepped up with the ball to take 7 for 38 and with Werners taking 3 for 16 the visitors crashed to 59 all out.
Joe Gatting used his day off from county duties to whack a 63 ball century to take Preston Nomads to victory by four wickets at home to Brighton and Hove.
Brighton were bowled out for 198 despite 76 from Craig Young and 31 from Tim Jarvis, Carl Simon taking 5 for 39.
Gatting then hit 106 despite being dropped a costly three times. Rob Wakeford added 35 not out as Chris Liddle and Matt Wood each took two wickets.
Another Sussex youngster proved the match winner for East Grinstead at Roffey.
Will Adkin carried his bat for 86 not out as Grinstead made 176 for 6 facing a Roffey score of 175 for 6 declared.
For Roffey Michael Norris made 44 and Christ Plaister 32 as Craig Fowle took 4 for 62.
Adkin was dropped twice early in his innings but played a mature innings to see his side home despite drizzle and poor light for much of the time.
Andy McGorian and Stuart Whittingham each took two wickets for the home side.
Bexhill are finding life in the Premier League a tough battle after their promotion last year.
At Horsham they were dismissed for 138 despite 31 from skipper Malcolm Johnson and 26 from Tom Powell. Two leg spinners did the damage, Michael Munday taking 3 for 39 and Will Beer 2 for 21.
In reply Horsham cruised to 142 for 2 in just 25 overs as James Johnson made 60 not out and John Burroughs 40.
The Sussex success story continued as Luke Wells made 130 for Eastbourne at Worthing to take his side to their first win of the season.
Eastbourne looked in trouble at 30 for 3 but Aaron Mullins (55) joined Wells to rebuild the innings, Luke Vinter took 3 for 55 for Worthing.
Worthing then tumbled to 112 all out as Ed Giddins took 4 for 28.
Three Bridges continue to lead the Second Division by 21 points despite being held to a draw at Findon.
Bridges were dismissed for 168 as Jack Metters took 4 for 31.
Mick Demetriou then held the Findon innings together as they reached stumps at 132 for 8, he made 76.
Glynde, who finished third last season, are currently in second place following a six wicket win at Haywards Heath who they bowled out for 145.
In that total Ollie Graham top scored with 32 as Dale Tranter took 3 for 62.
Glynde them moved smoothly to 146 for 4 with 49 from Dominic Shepheard and 35 not out from Ollie Bailey.
St James’s lie third following their draw at Cuckfield where the home side made 209 with a hard hit 48 from Jamie Newson as George Taylor took 5 for 42.
In the visitors’ 189 for 8 Adam Davies made 31 as Ebrel Erwee took 4 for 60.
Ifield found it very easy at home to Sidley who they bowled out for just 122. Sam Steel was top scorer, he made 25 as Dan Groves took 3 for 36.
Raza Alli with 51 not out and Jovan Nel (53) took the home side to victory by nine wickets at 123 for 1.
Goring made short work of dismissing Pulborough for just 94 as Ellis Woolley took 4 for 19 and Matt Keen 4 for 34.
The home side then won by five wickets at 85 for 5 with 27 from Dan Pitham, Kuldeep Rawat took 3 for 43.
All league positions in Division 3 West remain unchanged after each the top five beat one of the bottom five.
Middleton’s Brandon Hanley enjoyed a fine all round game top scoring with 69 in their 218-9. Ben Hansford added 56 whilst Slinfold’s Guy Thorne took 4-68.
In reply Slinfold were blown away for just 50 as Hanley’s 4-28 was surpassed by Tom Davies who took 6-17.
Bognor remain second just three points behind after an equally resounding victory at home to Wisborough Green. The visitors were bowled out for just 89 with Elliott Clarke making 45 as Bognor won by 7 wickets.
Billingshurst also scored a maximum after a 4 wicket success at Arundel. Arundel’s 149 was marked by Dhanushka Mitipolaarachchi snaring 5-30 and Mike Burroughs 50 not out led them to victory.
Stirlands remain fourth after a 131 run win at Littlehampton. Sean Heather (129) also scored a personal fourth (century in succession) and, as last week was ably supported by Will Gubbins with 73 not out.
Stirlands declared on 241-4 and bowled out Littlehampton for 110 with Chris May taking 3-11.
The result left Littlehampton pointless from the game and rooted at the foot of the table.
Steyning won a relatively low scoring game at Pagham making just 144. Pagham however were knocked over for just 92 after 6-37 from Matheesha Ranasinghe.
Source: www.wscountytimes.co.uk
Kent State Defined by Toughness in College World Series: A Fan's Take - YAHOO!
Getting through the College World Series unscathed is almost impossible for any team -- especially an underdog. Still, if there is an underdog up to the challenge, it would be Kent State.
The Golden Flashes have made a habit of living on the edge throughout the postseason. All but one of their NCAA Tournament games in the regional and super regional rounds were decided by a single run. They have shown a penchant for winning in all types of circumstances as shown by 22 wins in their last 23 games before reaching Omaha.
Kent State did not take the easy road in getting to this point. The Golden Flashes beat Kentucky twice -- including a 21-inning thriller that ended up being the second longest game in NCAA tournament history -- knocked out Big Ten champion Purdue, and took two of three from Oregon on its home field. It helped the Golden Flashes become the first MAC team to reach the CWS since Eastern Michigan did it in 1976.
What has driven Kent State's success? Solid pitching is a good starting point. The Golden Flashes have a team earned run average of 3.49. Good offense has also given them plenty of fight in big games. Kent State is producing a respectable6.8 runs per game this season. In the NCAA tournament, the Golden Flashes have scored 4.8 runs per game, while holding opponents to 3.7 runs.
George Roberts, the MAC Player of the Year, has been a major difference maker for Kent State. The junior first baseman emerged as a potent offensive weapon for his team this season. He has tallied 64 RBIs, slammed 8 home runs and is sporting a .368 batting average. It is safe to say the Golden Flashes will need some more clutch performances from Roberts to keep moving ahead in Omaha.
Stony Brook has attracted more national attention as a Cinderella team and underdog in the College World Series. The lion's share of the spotlight could quickly shift to third seeded Kent State. A tough road lies ahead for the Golden Flashes. Still, if any team thrives on tough situations, it is Kent State.
Playing tough has been a defining characteristic of the Golden Flashes this season.
John Coon has covered baseball at the high school, collegiate and professional levels as a sports reporter. He is also a third generation Yankees fan who lives to see New York win another World Series title each fall.
Source: news.yahoo.com
13,000 call for faster broadband internet in Kent - thisiskent.co.uk
Kent County Council has received nearly 13,000 votes for faster broadband internet in the area.
In a message posted on social networking and microblogging site Twitter, the council revealed it had received 12,933 votes of support for its Make Kent Quicker campaign, which calls for better broadband.
It is hoped the campaign, which has been running since February 15, will show there is demand for faster internet in Kent.
As it stands, almost 4,000 households and 150 businesses in Kent do not get any sort of broadband. More than 8,500 households can only get 256kbps speeds, which is slow and can often stop altogether.
The towns of Sevenoaks and Swanley are the only areas with super-fast access - the rest of the district has to make do with far slower speeds.
The council hopes 90% of homes and businesses will have superfast broadband access by 2015, and that everyone will have access to a service of at least 2mb. The £10 million that Kent County Council is investing in this upgrade has been matched by £9.87 million from the Government.
But the council also needs broadband providers to invest, and for this to happen it must demonstrate there is an appetite for better broadband. The greater the demand, the more broadband providers will be prepared to invest in Kent.
The total cost of Make Kent Quicker, the brainchild of Councillor Kevin Lynes who died suddenly in March, is expected to be in the region of £43 million.
In April this year, a report predicted BT’s investment in super-fast broadband will give Kent a massive boost, creating thousands of new jobs and start-up businesses in the next 15 years.
The report, by Regeneris Consulting, found that last year the overall beneficial financial impact of BT activities in Kent, including the roll-out of super-fast broadband, amounted to £268 million.
Super-fast broadband would enable the people of Kent to keep in touch with family and friends online, pay bills with ease and access the latest news and information, while businesses would be able to formulate a digital strategy to attract new customers.
Roger Gough, KCC Cabinet member for Business Strategy, Performance and Health Reform, said in May: “To many people - and businesses - a good broadband connection is a vital utility. And for many businesses, poor broadband is crippling and better broadband would help them compete.
“Many children will be at a disadvantage at school compared with their peers, because they lack good broadband at home.
“The value of better broadband should not be underestimated, and I hope many thousands more people will sign up between now and the end of the campaign in June.”
Click here to register your Make Kent Quicker vote online
Source: www.thisiskent.co.uk
