The momentum was quickly wrestled back by Esher as Ishaq and Van Wyk began positively with a flurry of boundaries until Crossley claimed his forth thanks to the fast reactions of Trev at slip. Ishaq continued to play his shots, mainly the cut, to good effect as he was joined by the tail. His good innings, peppered by late cuts off the top of leg stump, ended when Crossley completed his Michelle bowling him middle and leg for 40. Steve ended with fantastic figures of 5-46 from his 20-over spell, but was denied a 6 in his last over as Martin Sherwood somehow managed to grass a lobbed-catch two metres from the bat.

Trev continued to wheel away from the Bob Watts House end as the drama unfolded. Having brought out the Jazz hands to no success following a close (plum) LBW shout, he stepped up next ball and bowled the Esher number 8. The black-trainered number 9 followed him back immediately thanks to another superb reflex catch by Biggy at short leg to leave Trev on a hat-trick. He didn't disappoint, as next ball he sent a ball through the gate to bowl the new batsman and claim his first hat-trick. Biggy removed the little number 11 LBW, to end the innings on 135 to set Kempton a very gettable target in 56 overs. A fantastic bowling display was well supported by a high-class fielding effort by all, with special praise directed towards youngster Joe Carter.

The Ks batting has failed to fire in recent weeks so a good start was needed to settle any nerves. Both openers started positively, putting 20 on the board inside 4 overs and looking in little trouble. Unfortunately, it was the Ks skipper's turn to get the shooter as a half-tracker hit firmly on the ankle to put them one down. Pally followed his skipper quickly back to leave the home side 23-2 and in need of a big partnership. The early wickets seemed to wake-up the Esher fielders, especially those in the tail who despite all failing, where keen to offer a number of opinions and advice on how to bat.

The impressive Omar Farouk then bowled Dave Miah to become the third batsman to fall, as hat-trick hero Trevor strode out to join Alan at the crease. Trev was happy to play second-fiddle for the majority of his innings and stand and watch Alan from the non-strikers end. Alan ignored the chirps and his colleagues dismissals to bat serenely, hitting shots all around the wicket. As the score mounted, he started to open his shoulders and hit four big sixes, the highlight a clean hit over long-off. Alan brought up his 50 in quick time with a 6 over midwicket as the target came quickly into view. Trev remained untroubled at the other end, hitting any bad balls on offer to the boundary.

With just 10 needed, Alan was finally dismissed for 64 trying to end the game in two hits as he skied the ball to be caught at mid-on. Martin Sherwood then performed an excellent impression of a nightwatchman to keep out some rapid full-tosses and half-volley's, to help the Ks edge closer to their target. The win was sealed with four byes to give the home side a comprehensive victory by 6 wickets.

Kempton go to Mertsham next week in a positive mood and aim to secure a further 13 points to move back into the top 3 (availability permitting!)

Si Arscott - 29/07/2011