In a tense match at Blackpool, Kent narrowly defeated Lancashire by five runs in the Metro-Bank One-Day Trophy, despite a valiant effort from Keaton Jennings.
Lancashire's young debutant, Rocky Flintoff, made history as the youngest player in the club's 160-year history but contributed only 12 runs before being stumped by Harry Finch off Matt Parkinson's leg-spin. Parkinson, a former Lancashire spinner, played a pivotal role for Kent, taking 4 wickets for 30 runs, including the final wicket of Ollie Sutton in the last over.
Kent's innings saw Finch top-scoring with 48 as they managed a modest total of 209, with Beyers Swanepoel's 19 and contributions from Joey Evison and Ekansh Singh. Lancashire's bowlers, led by George Lavelle and Jack Blatherwick, kept the pressure on, with Blatherwick's accurate throw causing Evison's run-out. Charlie Barnard and Will Williams also claimed wickets, with Barnard taking 2 for 47.
In response, Lancashire struggled early, losing key wickets to Swanepoel and Stobo. Jennings, however, anchored the innings with an unbeaten 107, hitting 13 fours and a six. He received support from Blatherwick, who hit two sixes, but their efforts fell short as Kent's bowlers, including a decisive spell from Swanepoel, contained Lancashire's chase.
Lancashire needed 15 runs from the final two overs, and although Jennings reached his century, Kent's bowling, including crucial wickets from Parkinson and a run-out, ensured a dramatic win. This thrilling encounter was marked by tight bowling and critical fielding moments, culminating in Kent's victory.