KEMPTON CRICKET CLUB MATCH REPORT

DATE :                                      28th MAY 2011.

TEAM                                       3rd XI

OPPONENTS                          FARNHAM

TYPE OF MATCH                   LEAGUE

VENUE                                     CRONDALL 

RESULT                                   WON BY 55 RUNS

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With regular skipper Simon away on an Edinburgh stag weekend and a side showing a number of changes from last weeks successful team, stand in skipper Trevor Warne took an unfamiliar looking side to Farnham with Simon's instructions of don't fuck it up ringing in his ears.

He at least followed precedent by losing the toss and being asked to bat first at a very pleasant Crondall ground. On a reasonable looking wicket our opening pair was Dylan Richards and Pally Palekar who dealt well with the opening overs, with Dylan in particular looking to take the attack to a lively Farnham attack. Both enjoyed some good fortune when chances were spilled, a theme that would continue throughout the innings but the partnership had reached 36 when Pally was caught at cover for 11. Luke Neville, promoted from the 4's after last weeks hundred unfortunately edged his first ball to slip and some consolidation was required. This was achieved by way of a partnership of 95 between Dylan and Mo Sandhu with Dylan continuing to capitalise on anything loose whilst Mo was content to play second fiddle. As often happens a drinks break broke the stand with Mo out for 19 and a tired Dylan for an excellent 83. The innings required a little rebuilding which Trevor managed to achieve with useful assistance from Tom Bovington (15) and Nick Peters (11) enabling the declaration to be made at 209-9 in the 51st over.

With 50 overs to bat Farnham started reasonably well as our openers Jon Bateson & Nick Peters took a while to find the right lines. Nick bowled better as his spell progressed and he was rewarded with the first wicket at 40. When Jon was replaced it was Mark Hull who was brought into the attack and he struck twice in his first over, firstly thanks to a very sharp catch by keeper Tom and then hitting the stumps via bat & boot. At 58-3 we were well placed but having to work hard for further breakthroughs. At 91 Mark claimed another with a sharp catch by Nick at silly mid on and thereafter Mark, Biggy and Trevor would there way steadily through the remaining Farnham batsmen, bowling them out for 154 in the 42nd over, with mark the star turn with 5-32 off 13 tempting overs.

So, three wins and a winning draw is a good start to the season and sees us in the top two in the league. There are still areas we can improve on but with performances like Dylans and Mark's in this match we should be a tough nut to crack. Simon returns next week so all that's left to say is ........ don't fuck it up Simon.