KENT and England all-rounder Mark Ealham will lead a Kent side in defence of the Kentish Gazette European Indoor Sixes Shield next year.

The county's beneficiary for 2003 will hope to follow in the footsteps of Martin McCague who lifted the shield by beating France in the inaugural tournament earlier this year.

Belgium have accepted an invitation to play in next year's event near St Omer which will be on Wednesday, February 5.

Organiser John Bray is again hoping to run two coaches for Kent supporters to follow the side overseas and has tickets available at £45 per person.

That includes coach travel and transfer by Eurotunnel, seated admission to the indoor cricket tournament as well as a seat and wine at the presentation dinner following the day's play.

For further details and to book tickets, contact John Bray on 01303 269152 or by email on john_doreen_bray@numberfive.fslife.co.uk