The new Kent club played its initial first-class cricket match against All-England at White Hart Field in Bromley on 25–27 August 1842. Initially the success of the club continued, with Kent being declared champion county again in 1843, 1847 and 1849 and in 1847 the club began using the St Lawrence Ground on the other side of Canterbury, Pilch once again moving to be the groundsman. This was later established as the county's formal headquarters, although Kent continued to play matches on a variety of grounds around the county until well into the 20th century, rarely using the St Lawrence Ground for more than two or three matches a year.