Farrant and Beaumont star in double success

Kent’s Women won both matches of a Bank Holiday double-header at the County Ground, Beckenham.

Tash Farrant blitzed Staffordshire with a career-best 6-16 off nine overs on Sunday before Tammy Beaumont hit 53 in a five-wicket win against Surrey on Monday.

England left-armer Farrant bowled with pace and accuracy on her 20th birthday as newcomers Staffs were blown away by Kent’s attack in 36 overs before New Zealand skipper Suzie Bates smashed a 33-ball 50 to seal a 10-wicket triumph.

Bates, Laura Marsh and Charlotte Pape all took a wicket each with Pape also claiming a run out as the Midlands side were reduced to 37-6 in the 19th over.

Farrant returned to mop up the tail after a stand of 26 frustrated the Kent bowlers for more than 10 overs and the visitors were eventually 72 all out.

In reply, Kent openers Beaumont (20 not out) and Bates (53 not out) polished off the chase in just 10.3 overs to earn maximum points. The New Zealand skipper hit seven fours and a six to reach her half-century in 33 balls.

In Monday’s match, England opener Beaumont hit 53 off 65 balls as Kent won with almost 15 overs to spare.

Pape and Megan Belt struck three times each to help dismiss Surrey for 142.

Farrant returned to take two wickets and Marsh got the prized wicket of England colleague Nat Sciver for 34.

In reply, Beaumont and Bates hit 35 off the first seven overs before the overseas signing was bowled by Sciver for 12.

Lydia Greenway (30) added 57 for the second wicket before both women fell to Hannah Jones, who picked up 4-31.

Skipper Charlotte Edwards hit 18 from 17 balls before Alice Davidson-Richards (16 not out) and Lauren Griffiths (6 not out) saw Kent home.