KemptonKempton vs Frimley Green Cricket ClubFGCC

FGCC gave a good account of themselves in this match against Kempton CC but ultimately came up short in spite of another superb display with the bat by Vice Captain Mark Russell.

Winning the toss and electing to bat in this 35 over game, and with 3 of Tim Jones' Normandy Colts playing (2 making their debut for the club), FGCC started steadily with youngster Bradley Richards and Mark going along at 3 an over in the face of some tricky Kempton bowling. With the score on 59-1, the famous FGCC rot set in just prior to drinks, with Ants, Graeme and Anu all falling cheaply. Cue Jones Jnr - elevated to Number Six in the order for the first time in FGCC colours - who played a polished innings of 33, by far his best for the club. At the other end however it was Mark who took all the plaudits, bringing up his 4th half-century in as many games and extending his run of bettering his PB for the club for the 4th game on the bounce. His 80 was the cornerstone of a decent FGCC total of 148-5.

In reply some hostile, tight bowling by Anu and debutant Alex Cook kept Kempton's scoring rate well below the desired mark in the opening overs, with both bowlers although wicketless ending up with 3 wickets apiece. With Kevin riding the crest of a wave in the bowling averages and coming on as first change, the breakthrough was made when opener Groizard played on with only 15 on the board. However, some controlled hitting and sensible batting by Arscott and then top-scorer Mich saw the runs begin to flow in spite of another wicket for Kevin, 2 for Rus and a welcome return to FGCC colours for Shahid. With 16 needed off 4 overs and the game rapidly getting away, Jim decided to turn his arm over and combining with brother-in-law Graeme had Mich stumped, quickly followed with a rattle as the Kempton batsmen tried to bring up the win in style. Two overs later Sethi did just that, seeing Kempton home with a 4 through mid-off and with one over spare.