Sarah Bryce's rapid fifty headlines Kent's thumping 10-wicket win over Essex

Riding on an excellent display from their bowlers, Kent handed Essex a 10-wicket thrashing in their second match of the London Championship at the Mote Cricket Club in Kent on Thursday (August 6). Skipper Natasha Farrant (2-41) and Megan Belt (3-17) combined to help dismiss the visitors for a paltry 112 before openers Sarah Bryce and Grace Scrivens overhauled the target in just 17.2 overs.

Bryce, Kent's wicketkeeper-batter, in only her second game smashed an unbeaten 39-ball 51 to headline the hosts' easy victory. The right-hander smashed eight fours and two sixes in her knock taking Essex's bowlers to the cleaners. Scrivens, meanwhile, played second fiddle, compiling a steady 65-ball 36, with six boundaries to her credit.

Kent Women win the #BattleOfTheBridge by 10 wickets 🙌

Full stats and scorecard ➡️ https://t.co/ehZ57pUqWO#OnlyTheOrses 🐎 #SuperKent pic.twitter.com/LyWtkbUl6K

— Kent Cricket (@KentCricket) August 6, 2020

Earlier in the day, having won the toss, Essex got off to the worst possible start, losing two wickets within the first five overs. Farrant struck the early blows for the hosts, removing the opening pair of Beth Dodd and Jessica Bird with her left-arm seam.

At 9 for 2, Essex's No.3 Kate Midwood launched a bit of a counter-attack, crunching Farrant and Indigo Gentry for three boundaries each on her way to 28 off just 31 balls. However, just when it looked like her side were beginning to seize the momentum, Midwood was run out by Kalea Moore.

It’s already hot here at The Mote , Kent will be bowling first when we start at 11.00 follow the lives scores here ! pic.twitter.com/jxHwzFCu50

— Kent Women Live Scores (@KentWomenScores) August 6, 2020

The procession of wickets continued with Belt dismantling the middle order and Hannah Jelfs contributing with two run outs to leave Essex tottering at 83 for 9. The last-wicket pair of Jasmine Wesley (15) and Emma Jones (17) fought hard to get their team past the 100-run mark. Their 29-run stand - the highest of the innings - included a total of six boundaries and lasted a total of 7.5 overs.

Kent toiled hard for the final wicket before Darcey Carter, bowling her first over of the day, got Wesley caught and bowled to wrap up the innings in 36.5 overs.

Belt finished with figures of 3 for 17, while Farrant - who was a touch expensive - picked up 2 for 41.

Brief scores: Essex 112 in 36.5 overs (Kate Midwood 28, Hayley Brown 20; Megan Belt 3-17, Natasha Farrant 2-41) lost to Kent 114/0 in 17.2 overs (Sarah Bryce 51*, Grace Scrivens 36*) by 10 wickets.