Joey Evison inspires Kent to Royal London Cup glory against Lancashire

Kent fans can sit easy; they may be losing Darren Stevens, but a ready-made replacement is already in place in the form of Joey Evison. On a day that was about waving farewell to the departing 46-year-old all-rounder, it was 20-year-old Evison who inspired Kent to glory over Lancashire with a stellar all-round display in a 21-run win at Trent Bridge.

Only weeks into his Kent career, Evison’s fine 97 was followed by a parsimonious spell with the ball that included two wickets, helping Kent to their first victory in a List A final since 1978.

Chasing an imposing 307, Lancashire went close in an innings of ebb and flow, but were forced to settle upon a season of near misses; they went into this match having lost the T20 Blast final and with their County Championship hopes all but over.

While members of the Red Rose shared glum looks at the close, Evison and his teammates revelled in the celebrations; there were six wickets shared between Grant Stewart and Nathan Gilchrist, and a stylish 78 from Joe Denly.

For the romantics, of course, this was also a day about Stevens. The cult hero, one Kent have decided to let go at the end of the season, contributed a scratchy but ultimately vital 31 not out with the bat in an occasion that celebrated his storied career.

A groin injury picked up during his innings limited him to eight wicketless overs with the ball and prompted a premature departure from the field — but that will matter little in the grand scheme of things. This most remarkable cricketer — a man powered by pints of Guinness and an incredible love for the game – will bid farewell to Kent with a medal around his neck.

Lancashire lost the toss but were smiling not long after, with Ben Compton falling to Tom Bailey for a