Kentish Express Ashford & District
Walker hoping for more in the wicket
Matt Walker admits Kent will be ‘up against it’ as they try to get back to winning ways in the Championship this week. A draw at Leicester on Monday brought their Division 2 winning streak to a halt but they remain firmly in the promotion race ahead of the visit of Sussex to Tunbridge Wells for the 186th First Class match in the town. The Nevill Ground has proven an unlikely venue for results, with matches in four of the past five years ending in draws. Head coach Walker said: “Tunbridge Wells is always a difficult place to win. It’s been tough in recent years to get a result. It’s hard for the bowlers to get something out of the wicket. You’re up against it a little bit. “Winning the game is the most important thing. It’s a lovely ground, everyone likes playing there. It’s beautiful, there is a real festival feel to it. We’ve got to make sure we hit them hard from day one this week.” Kent did win by 226 runs at Hove in April as part of their perfect start to their promotion push and Walker added: “Not many people expected that outside of our group. We outplayed them across the board for four days but they have found a bit of form and have Vernon Philander back.” All-rounder Darren Stevens – who has 656 competitive runs and 30 wickets so far this summer after his ton at Leicester – said: “We’ve asked for a bit more grass on the wicket so there’s a bit more pace there than has sometimes been the case, so we’ll see what we find.” Walker added: “It’s difficult, club grounds don’t have the attention and facilities to produce proper First Class wickets but as long as there is a bit in it for everybody, then we’ll be happy.” With Kent three points off the top of Division 2, Walker remains upbeat about their prospects, adding: “We could have done nothing more (at Leicester). We’ve come out with four bonus points and the draw. “With two days of poor weather at the start of this game, it’s difficult to try to manufacture a win from that position. “To come away with those points in the bank is pleasing. We managed to get full bonus points with the ball and to get 400 from the position we were in at one stage, was pleasing.” Walker said he was happy with his side’s position after four games, adding: “We’re not going to win every game. With the weather or whatever, you’re going to have to fight hard and scrap out some good draws. “We had three great wins in the first part and the start of this block we got a good draw with full bonus points. I’m happy.”