ENGLAND and Kent wicketkeeper Geraint Jones believes the minor counties should retain their place in the C & G trophy despite nearly being on the wrong end of an upset .

Jones was one of a number of illustrious names to be dismissed cheaply by Wiltshire bowlers in Kent's nine- run win at Salisbury, but insisted afterwards it was a "huge shame" the competition is set to be restructured.

It was announced by the ECB earlier this year that from next season minor counties would not take part in the first round of the C & G trophy as they convert it to a league structure.

But Jones is one of many who are against the move.

He said: "None of us first-class players mind coming to places like this because minor counties taking part is a tradition for everyone in cricket.

"It is a great shame these fixtures are going to go, but the decision has been made and unfortunately it does not look like anything can be done about it.

"Matches like this bring the professional players to the rural areas that don't usually get the chance to see professional cricket.

"It also gives the minor county players a chance to talk about the catches and run outs they have made against us. I certainly think the decision by the authorities is the wrong one for cricket."

Jones was caught by Chippenham's Richard Bates off the bowling of Kevin Nash for 17 as Kent were bowled out for 160. Wiltshire fell nine runs short of their target but Jones admitted to worries about a premature exit.

He said: "It was very tough. The wicket was in favour of the bowlers all the way through and their guys bowled and fielded really well.

"We thought 160 was at least 20 or 30 short but thankfully it just proved enough in the end.

"Their opening batsmen (captain Russell Rowe) batted well and in the end it was a lot closer than we would have liked.

"We always knew it would be a tough match and sure enough it proved to be just that."