KENT’S groundstaff are working tirelessly to try and ensure that Monday’s C&G Trophy tie with Ireland goes ahead in rain-soaked Tunbridge Wells.

The run of inclement weather, which has rather ironically coincided with hose pipe bans and drought orders, has also left The Nevill Ground sodden but Kent are pulling out all the stops in a bid to keep the opening game of Festival Week on course.

Additional sheeting has been taken to the Royal Spa Town to help keep the square dry while the county’s new ‘super-soaker’ machine was taken there last Thursday to clear standing water.

The club’s marketing director Jon Fordham said: “Our groundstaff are up in Tunbridge Wells and working in tandem with the Borough Council team to do everything we can to make sure Monday’s game goes ahead.

“Because of the Elton John concert on June 3rd moving the game back to Canterbury isn’t an option, so we’re doing everything we can to make sure Tunbridge Wells has the additional resources it needs.

“Gloucestershire were forced to move a fixture earlier this week and I would guess we’re one of about nine counties in a similar position, all hoping that the rain will relent.”