Affiliated

Sunday Friendly’s

Worcester Saturday Crusader
Cricket League

Kempsey Cricket Club

MATCH REPORT
SUNDAY 24th APRIL

FRIENDLY AGAINST WORCESTER NORTON ASIANS

Played on Easter Sunday at Worcester Norton. This was a pre season friendly against Norton Asian Sunday team. Kempsey won the toss and elected to field which was probably a strange decision on what looked a flat dry track on a warm day. It was based partly fearing that we may be bowled out cheaply and the fact that 40 over’s in the field maybe a good run out.

The worst was soon feared when a loose first over by Shaleeeem went for 15, however the second over was bowled by Tucker who soon had the Norton batsmen in trouble. The much feared Raheel was caught superbly by Shaleeeem and then Waseem nicked one to Rhys. Tucker’s second over saw another couple of batsmen back in the pavilion, leaving Kempsey in dreamland the scoreboard showing 30 for 5.

Qadir then replaced Shaleeeem and had an impact straightaway by having Sherry caught at mid off, another dangerous batsmen back in the hut. A very good bowling and fielding display resulted in the scoreboard showing 80-8. This now presented an opportunity of some match practice for some regular Saturday members. Tolley was brought on bowling his left arm swing but not having bowled for a whole year his first couple of over’s proved expensive with the opposition basically throwing the bat. However his next two overs were a lot better and he took his first wicket for season. Unfortunately Craig only bowled one over before tucker finished off the tail.

The final score 143 with Tucker ending up on 5-15 (will be greatly missed for first half of season whilst at university), Qadoos, his first match for Kempsey ended up on 2-23, Rhys having a good match behind stumps ended up taking 4 catches.

A strong batting line up made Kempsey favourites to win the match at this stage and the worry was shown on the faces of the opposition. But then Raheel (on fire partly because of his first innings duck) and Mazzer, ripped through Kempsey’s rearranged top order. After 5 over’s Kempsey were 20 for 6 but by now it was not going to plan. However Barney was joined by Tucker and the scoreboard started moving and a partnership of over 90 again made Kempsey favourites but a drinks break interrupted the momentum gained. Tucker was caught in the deep on 35 and Barney had is stumps rearranged by Mazzer the next over. Kempsey only needed 20 to win with 2 wickets left but in the end, after a courageous effort, Kempsey fell short by 9 runs, a nail-biting finish to the game including a run-out and couple of boundaries by Qad.

Although we lost the game this was an excellent bowling and fielding display. Good intensity was shown in the field and majority of catches held. The batting was disappointing, but it should be mentioned that both of Norton’s opening bowlers are Birmingham league standard and we shouldn’t be facing their like again this season. There are signs of potentially a very successful season for this squad.

Worcester Norton Asians Vs Kempsey -- Sunday 24th April 2011