Hooper’s Lancashire whip Kent

CANTERBURY: Carl Hooper’s Lancashire completed a 75-run victory over his old club Kent in their four-day English County Championship match that ended at the St Lawrence Ground  yesterday. Set 415 runs to win, Kent folded for 339 after a fighting top-score of 79 from Mark Ealham. On Sunday, Hooper had struck a second innings 48 as Lancashire tightened their grip on the match by scoring 334 — setting Kent their huge winning target. Resuming at 123 for four, Kent were always under pressure as medium pacer Greg Chapple (4-66) and left-arm spinner Gary Keedy (4-79) made inroads into their batting and eventually ensured the victory. Hooper had spent six successful years playing for Kent during the 1990s when he scored 22 centuries for the club.