KEMPTON CRICKET CLUB MATCH REPORT

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Another week, another match...although this time the cup beckoned. With this year's final to be contested at the Tiger Den a good cup run is mandatory!

Fielding a useful side we came into the 45 over match with excellent confidence. After some initial teething problems, the skipper being taken out by white van man somewhere in Hampton (ironic) on his cycle over, we were put into bat by Hampton on what looks a reasonable track.

New opening partnership of Blair and Miah (E) began well setting a good foundation against Hampton's openers. Hampton began to bowl with more control and after losing both openers we lost both Richard and Joel cheaply. Shades of a Kempton collapse were soon dispelled as Ward and Henderson consolidated the fast start: we reached the 100 off about 20 overs. Those two then dominated bowling with shots on both sides of the wickets and the run rate accelerated. Both Ward and Hendo reached half century's with Hendo falling for 59. A score of close to 300 looked on but after losing Sachin cheaply and then Ward, to a superb catch, something closer to 250 was expected. However, late order hitting from Sohail (43 not out) and good support from Makwana and Loveridge at the end had us post a total of 275 off our allotted 45 overs. The score a sign of how strong the batting line up is looking!

With Hampton requiring over 6 an over we set about balancing attack and defence by opening with dual spin from Loveridge and Makwana. Danny once again showed great control and was rewarded with 2-20 from his 8 overs with his first few overs extremely frugal. Makwana (1-42 from 9) was equally tight and the required run rate crept up significantly. It was not until the the clean hitting Wood came to the wicket did Hampton begin to make headway into the total. Once he had been removed by Mackay (2-36 from 5) there was only one winner. A great clean up operation from Ward, again back close to his best with the ball (2-18 from 3) and Joel (2-19 from 4) saw Kempton win easily as Hampton were dismissed for 154.

Once again a very polished performance with good discipline and no panic. The team dynamic is looking good, albeit the banter needs work, for the league. Thanks again to Derek, Celia, June and Frank.