The Season opened for Kempsford on a cold and windy Easter
Saturday. Captain Andy McGrath won the toss and put into place a strategy based
on the fact that it would be colder later (in other words we fielded first!?).
South Hill started briskly and scored at a good pace until the 10th over when
Martin Butler skied the ball towards square leg. John Tilling (the youngest member
of the Kempsford side) did well to take the catch as the strong wind made the
ball swirl around, this was to be the start of a good fielding day for Kempsford.
With the opening partnership broken the scoring slowed and it took a further 12
overs to add another twenty runs with the loss of 4 wickets. This was mostly due
to Oliver Bishop who, bowling into the wind, maintained a good line and length
with the occasional ball swinging away from the right-handed batsman. The fall
of the 4th Wicket brought C Holder to the crease and with some straight hitting
added 37 runs, the top score of the day. Unfortunately Holder began to run out
of partners as the spin of Steve James lured a few into reckless shots. The visitors
innings closed on 119 at 4:45.
After tea the Kempsford Innings started with Collins and Strange continuing
where they left off at the end of last season by compiling a steady opening
stand. Collins departed with the score at 60 for a well-made 31.The next wicket
fell with the score on 90 when Strange chipped the ball to mid on. With only
30 runs required but with the light fading Kempsford lost another 4 wickets,
most complaining it was too cold to hang around for long.
So Kempsford started the season with a win but more importantly in good humor
and enjoyment all round!! As usual much beer was consumed in the bar afterwards
to cap a most enjoyable start to the season.
