In 2011 the Spitfire National Over 60 Championship,once again sponsored by Shepherd Neame, had an increased number of Counties.26 Counties took part with eleven of those Counties fielding second elevens.

There were six groups at first team level and two for the second elevens. The top two in each of the first eleven groups went forward into a knock out basis with the best two competing in the final with a similar scenario in the second team structure. Kent sadly didn’t make the top two in either of their groups. The First Team finished an imporoved third in their group and the Second Eleven achieved fourth place.Next season the First Team group will comprise of 30 Counties with the Second Team group unchanged.
 
Once again in the First Team Section Cheshire got to the Final and retained the trophy having scored 253 - 4 with Essex being twenty four runs short.The second eleven final also had Suffolk appearing for the second consecutive year and this time finishing as winners having scored 192 - 6 and Sussex failing by thirteen runs.
 
Our 70+ squad once again combined with Surrey to play eight matches in a Division of five Counties.This year Kent have over 30 players keen and highly tuned that will qualify for this group and we intend to field our own Kent Eleven under the innovative leadership of John Phipps.If they are all fit at the same then it would be a miracle!
 
In 2011 Kent as a County played well over thirty fixtures,league and friendlies,which included two matches in Club’s Cricket Weeks which were most enjoyable. At home and away we play on some excellent cricket grounds with lovely facilities,teas and bars. What more could you ask. Not only that we have a group of highly qualified umpires and scorers that make life so much easier.
 
Individually our performances did not set the world alight and we’ve been advised by our two leaders that ‘we must do better!’.In the First Team Bob Phillips made a welcome return to Kent and led the batting with 238 League runs. Messrs Breed,Packman and Dixon also topped the 200 run mark.Wicket takers were Colin Breed with 8 with Messrs Roake,Pettit B and Phillips B taking 7 each. Graham Brown got 8 victims behind the wicket.

The Second Team in the League relied almost totally on Peter Robinson for their runs. Peter amassed 435 with no-one else topping 150! Leading wicket takers were Micky Back with 8 and Rod Warboys with 7.Dave Piper snaffled 7 victims behind the stumps. We again had a player selected for an International,Bob Phillips,who was disappointed the match against The Aussies was cancelled.
 
We now well over 90 players registered in Kent but not all are regular players. We are always looking to recruit new members especially the younger colts who have just achieved the magic 60!
 
Once again we had an excellent end of season dinner organised by Micky Back and Barry Smith and our numbers were increased to nearly 50 wives and players. The Plough at Langley looked after us very well. Graham Roake enjoyed his first year as First Eleven skipper so much he is continuing for 2012. David Kelly who has done such a great job for the Second Eleven is standing down as skipper and Dave Piper is filling this role.Matches may be a little noisier.Many thanks to both Graham and David for all their efforts in 2011.
 
We were generously sponsored by Shepherd Neame in 2011 who also sponsored The Championship as a whole and I’m delighted to report that they will continue to sponsor Kent 60+ teams for 2012
 
We don’t charge a subscription to join,,just a match fee when you play,so there is no great burden on your pension!
 
Whilst this report might be similar to that of 2011 (and it is!) the idea is to publicise senior cricket in Kent and we’d love any budding ‘seniors’ out there to join us. If you are interested,at whatever standard,and if you wish to give it a go,please contact Howard Smith on 0208 402 5826 (H) or e mail; howard.smith500@ntlworld.com. You’ll be assured of a friendly welcome and no doubt meet up with a lot of old friends suffering from similar ailments!  So do give it a go!
 
You can also find us on http://kentover50.play-cricket.com
 
 
‘H’oward Smith

If you would like to know more about Senior Cricket in Kent there’s a flyer to download with all the details you’ll need.  You can find it here.