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Kent head coach Matt Walker reacts to win against Sussex in County Championship

Matt Walker says Kent’s win at home to Sussex was one of the best he’s been involved in.

His side had a 58-run victory in their Specsavers County Championship Division 2 match at The Spitfire Ground St Lawrence.

It is now three consecutive victories for Kent who moved up to second in the table.

Kent celebrate a Matt Henry wicket. Picture: Chris Davey
Kent celebrate a Matt Henry wicket. Picture: Chris Davey

Head coach Walker said: “That’s why it is the best game in the world when you play games of cricket like that. I think that’s what makes it more rewarding. We spoke in the dressing room that these are the sort of games you remember.

“They are extremely valuable to you as a player and coach. You take so much out of those when they are tough. It was scrappy for those three days and it wasn’t the prettiest game of cricket.

“When you come out on top in games like that it is extremely rewarding and was one of the best I’ve been involved with.”

New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry fired Kent to victory with a half century in the second innings and 10-wickets in the match.

Heino Kuhn top scored in Kent's first innings with 60 off 116 balls as they posted 215 on Friday.

Henry then claimed 4-69 as Sussex were bowled out for 181 to give the home side a slender lead of 34.

Harry Podmore bowling during Kent's win against Sussex. Picture: Chris Davey
Harry Podmore bowling during Kent's win against Sussex. Picture: Chris Davey

With Kent 146-7, it was left to Matt Henry and Harry Podmore to put on a 74-run partnership.

Henry batted superbly to hit 55 off 53 balls and Podmore was left on 24 not out at the end of the innings.

The home side were bowled out for 235 setting a total of 270 for Sussex to win.

Henry went on to star with the ball, again, in Sussex’s second innings to help Kent clinch victory.

He took 6-53, to make it 37 Championship wickets for the season, as they were bowled out for 211.

Matt Henry. Picture: Chris Davey
Matt Henry. Picture: Chris Davey

Walker said: “It swung both ways throughout the game. On this last day it was on for either team, which is great and makes it extremely competitive and to come through it is a huge reward for our team who stuck at it from day one.

“I know Matt will take the headlines, and he was absolutely remarkable, but it is more than that. It is everybody playing a part whether it is a supporting role in the field or with the ball. We had it all in this game and to beat Sussex you need a team to fight hard as they are a good side.

“When you have someone like that in your team it is such a bonus to have that firepower. It is a team display with the ball.

“Ivan’s wicket to break that partnership between Wright and Brown was vital. I thought he bowled as well as I had see in this game. He bowled with real pace and aggression in this game.

“You want your superstars and overseas players to lead the attack but you need the support players to do their jobs. You are not going to beat Sussex with just one or two people doing their jobs.”

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