Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeCRICKETWalkling clean hits his way to 80 for Kemsing

Walkling clean hits his way to 80 for Kemsing

Kemsing Cricket Club travelled to Luddesdowne for their league clash on Saturday. The two sides enjoyed each other’s company in the two games last year and this game was no different, with much good-natured banter throughout the hard-fought and thrilling game.

James Walkling hit a huge 80 runs in 33 balls including 8 sixes and 6 fours

Kemsing skipper, Grahame Wood, won the toss on a hard track and had no hesitation in batting first. Yet again, a super father and son opening partnership got Kemsing off to a great start, when Jake was out for 32 with the score on 108 in the 23rd over. A platform for the middle order to run riot on.

With 45 yard boundaries on two sides, it was not a surprise when the scoring rate accelerated quickly. Wood Senior was out for 75 from 69 balls, with the score on 143, in the 26th over.

Meanwhile, James Walkling, one of the cleanest hitters around, went into overdrive, crashing 80 incredible runs from 33 balls, including 8 sixes and 6 fours. He and Damien Saville put on 76 for the 4th wicket. Saville and Harry Cottle then blasted 41 in quick time, with Kemsing finishing with an exhilarating 279-4 in their 40 overs. The last 20 overs had yielded an astonishing 188 runs.

Luddesdowne provided a superb tea and Kemsing knew that they had to restrain themselves to be able to move nimbly in the field, as the Luddesdowne boys would be going for the win.

The home side got off to a blistering start with 64 up in the 11th over, but for the loss of three wickets to the bowling of Cottle and Ian Wise (2). However, their opening batsman, Chris Skilton was still there. A gutsy and belligerent player. The innings revolved and relied on him, thereafter.

There were contributions from skipper Martin Heath (29), before he was bowled by Roger Shaddock, and Sam Piddock (41no), but Skilton’s superb innings of 116 was finally cut short in the penultimate over by the ubiquitous Walkling.

24 off the final over, delivered by an extremely cool Saville, was beyond the lower order batsman and Kemsing had won a gripping game by 10 runs.

Their fielding had been exemplary, with all 4 outfield catches held and some wonderful ground fielding, particularly by Cottle, Jake Wood and Wise. Paul Bean had kept wicket very well, taking 3 crucial catches.

Both sides appreciated the skill levels of the opposition and the magnificent game they had been involved in. Another super advert for the Kent County Village League.
Kemsing are now second in the table, behind Chiddingstone, who they play in two weeks time.

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