Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeCRICKETKemsing close to Division Four championship

Kemsing close to Division Four championship

Kent County Village League Division Four: Kemsing (67-4) beat Chiddingstone (66 all out)

In a top of the table clash, top side, Chiddingstone, were the visitors at second-placed Kemsing, who were still smarting from their two run defeat in the opposite fixture, earlier in the season.

Ex-Gloucestershire opening bowler, Stuart Barnes, was raring to go for Kemsing, on a decent track, even after heavy rain on the Thursday and Friday. In a nine over spell, the fastest anyone present had seen for some time, he singlehandedly demolished the Chiddingstone top five, taking 5-15, all bowled. Catches were spurned, as it was all too quick for the slip cordon.

There was nowhere for the remaining batsmen to go, as first, Roger Shaddock (1-14) and then Grahame Wood (4-3), took out the tail. 66 was never going to be enough in 26.2 overs.

However, with skipper Wood and big-hitter, James Walkling, falling to consecutive balls from Chiddingstone skipper Eddie Allwood, it was all a bit tense in the Kemsing camp!

Damien Saville scored a quickfire 17 to relieve some pressure, but the resilience and calm of an obdurate Jake Wood, in a crucial innings, saw the home side to victory with four wickets down, along with experienced vice-captain, Martin Green.

It was all over after 21 overs, just as the heavens opened and torrential rain fell for some time.

Kemsing are now guaranteed promotion, but a win against lowly Shipbourne in the final game will see them go up as champions. Chiddingstone are also assured promotion, as Halstead lost on Saturday.

Kemsing celebrated, along with the Chiddingstone players, for some considerable time and are looking forward to seeing them again at the League Awards Night in November and in Division Three next year.

Another brilliant game of cricket, played in a great spirit by two great sides in the Kent County Village League.

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