Denly delivers with a ton and hat-trick

July

Joe Denly excelled with bat and ball after a century and a hattrick for Kent Spitfires against Surrey in the Vitality Blast. Spitfires won by just six runs at the Kia Oval when at one stage Surrey looked to be easing to a comfortable victory. “To score a hundred in T20 is always very special and to back it up with a hat-trick is even more special,” Denly said. “I don’t think I’ve had any days like this. “Turning up today I knew I was in good form with the bat and delighted to get the hundred. To pick one or two wickets with the ball is a bonus but a hat-trick is very special and will take a little while to sink in.” Tom Bosworth ripped up the record books at the Anniversary Games. The Tonbridge AC athlete clocked a world-record time of 10min 43.84sec to win the 3,000m walk in London. Going through halfway in 5.22, the Commonwealth 20km silver medallist was on track to make history and he kept his composure to cross the finish line in record time, despite the close attentions of South Africa’s Lebogang Shange. “I thought there was going to be trouble if I got beaten but I knew the crowd would push me home in that world-class field,” he said. “He (Shange) was fourth in London last year and I knew it was going to take a PB to win.” It was all-change at Priestfield as Gabriel Zakuani was named Gillingham captain. The former Democratic Republic of Congo skipper was boss Steve Lovell’s pick after Lee Martin was released. Zakuani said: “I am proud and honoured. It’s a role I am used to, it’s nothing new, but every year I learn from other captains. “I have my own way of dealing with players. I know who to put my arm around and who needs shouting at. “Every time I play I will be wearing an armband but everything else stays the same. I know how to manage a dressing room.”