Kent cricketers mark launch of club history

Former Test allrounders Mark Ealham and John Shepherd joined Kent cricketers past and present at the launch of a new book that chronicles four decades of the county club's history.

They were joined at Waterstone's book store in Rose Lane, Canterbury, by England one-day international Joe Denly, his club team-mate Darren Stevens, former Kent captain David Fulton as well as Essex batsman and former St Lawrence favourite, Matthew Walker, for the launch of Trophies and Tribulations: Forty Years of Kent Cricket.

The book, the first of its type to examine the glory years and sagas of Kent cricket through the eyes of the captains, players, coaches and officials themselves, was co-written by Whitstable-based author and cricket writer, Mark Pennell, and the Daily Telegraph's former sports news editor turned freelance writer, Clive Ellis.

Pennell, a regular contributor to Cricinfo, said: "To have six Kent players, three of them internationals at our book launch was a truly humbling experience and I can't thank the guys or Waterstone's manager, Richard Hills, enough for making it such a memorable occasion.

"Already, we've received kind words and wonderful reviews of which I'm tremendously proud. Having laboured over the writing for five months, I'd like to think Trophies and Tribulation will be welcomed as a fascinating and honest account of the era by the players and an important document in terms of the club's history."

Trophies and Tribulations was well received at signing sessions in Kent's club shop and is also available for sale at Waterstone's stores and from www.greenwichpublishing.co.uk