A LOT of would-be bruising overseas batsmen will find their scope stunted next year if World Cup pitches are prepared in the kind of freezing, dank conditions which these days pass for spring.

It took all of Alan Wells's experience to come to terms with a surface of surprising nip, seam movement and variable pace in crafting an impeccable, undefeated 111 from 106 balls - his first century in the competition - for a first Gold Award and his highest score since moving to Canterbury.

Given Kent's seam resources to come, his hundred had sealed the match before Hampshire's reply had begun. Support came in the game's only stands, 112 with Trevor Ward, whose 60 had all the canny patience Wells once so lacked, and 53 from the last four overs with Steve Marsh.

Some odd medium-pacers have thrived this year - Marcus Trescothick, the Butcher brothers and, most notably, Will House come to mind. Hampshire had three veterans, Peter Hartley, Kevan James and John Stephenson, with wicketkeeper Adrian Aymes standing up impressively to harness the conditions. But Nixon McLean and Dimitri Mascarenhas let the runs flow.

Both probably tried too hard, conceding between them the extra 40 or so runs which left Kent far above par. Their own seamers then went to work.

By the 14th over Hampshire had been shot to 33 for five, Dean Headley gaining nasty lift and Ben Phillips going on to complete career best one-day figures of three for 13. Despite Aymes's 46 not out, Kent went on to victory without even calling on Mark Ealham to bowl.