Champions

Kent needed just 45 runs this morning to secure the first place in Division two and duly got them when Van Jaarsveld pushed a single to bring up 250 and the second bonus batting point. Kent went on to get 453.

I must say it was a cold and blustery day, and somehow, now that the championship was won, there didn't seem a huge amount of urgency in the Kent work in the field when Leicester batted again.

The three bowlers who had taken wickets in the first innings all bowled but with out any luck. Simon Cook, who had taken 5-44 to help earn the bowling points was economical and bowled 13 overs for just 24 runs after tea.

Amjad Khan was lively and after his 4-46, in the first innings, ended on none for 17 off six overs.

Ryan McLaren took the other first innings wicket (1-22) but ex-Kent player Paul Nixon and Mat Boyce were unbeaten at the close on 97.

As there was still an hour or so of light I decided to pop into Stodmarsh (no news of the Tufted Puffin today).

I walked out to the Reed bed hide for a quiet sit and watch few minutes. Green Sandpipers seem to be everywhere this autumn at this evening was no exception with three in an out of the pool, nosily calling as the flew to the next feeding area.

Groups of Teal dabbled frantically, staying for a few minutes and then departing for no apparent reason before returning or being replaced by the next group. You can see the nictating membrane covering the eye of the bird above as it feeds.

Distant Marsh harriers were on show much of the time, but the frantic alarm of a Green Sandpiper mad me look up, in time to see a female or juvenile that had just passed right over the hide.

The Grey Heron that was slowly stalking round the pool was completely unperturbed by the Harrier, but it did give it a passing glance.