Kent's faith rewarded by patient Stevens century

KENT 401-5 GLAMORGAN

Stevens' second hundred of the season did much to keep Kent on track when, early on at least, they had wobbled, before they had reached three figures. Among those departures was England ever-hopeful Robert Key, who was looking in commanding form, and Martin van Jaarsfeld.

But any hopes Glamorgan harboured of containing Kent this time around were first dented then destroyed as Stevens got into his stride. He did survive a sharp caught and bowled chance off Dean Cosker, but by then he had reached 72. He exploited that charitable moment by patiently making his way to three figures off 136 balls, and initially towing Andrew Hall along in his wake.

By then he had shared in one century stand with Justin Kemp, and went on to share in an even bigger partnership with Hall, another South African.

Glamorgan have been something of a charitable body throughout the season. In their 10 previous Championship matches only once has a team failed to reach 400 runs in the first innings.

The charity did not stop with Glamorgan on the field. It was also announced yesterday that Kent's club captain, David Fulton, has been granted a benefit next year: 50 per cent of money raised will go to two charities, one supporting research into brain tumours, the other towards providing a hydrotherapy pool for a special school in Tonbridge.