Kemp stars in Windsor victory

Boyne Hill 2’s 180 all out, 48.3 Overs (Rogers 63, Kemp hat-trick)
Windsor 3’s 181 for 7, 46.4 Overs (Lloyd 51)

A hat trick from overseas star Brendon Kemp and a fine match winning half century from wicket keeper Wayne Lloyd, were the highlights as Windsor 3’s managed to overcome promotion-chasing rivals Boyne Hill in a tense match.

After winning the toss Windsor stuck to their usual game plan of bowling first on a wicket that appeared to offer plenty of assistance. This decision looked justified as Kemp took a smart caught and bowled chance to leave Boyne Hill 14-1. The situation could have been even better for Windsor if Sam Condon had not been no-balled when he clean bowled Boyne Hill’s other opener two overs later. Boyne Hill consolidated their position and at drinks found themselves nicely placed on 82-1 after 26 overs. However, Windsor continued to keep things tight and the pressure began mounting on Boyne Hill, with the ageless Andy Wigley and left arm spinner Mark Lines bowling particularly well. As Boyne Hill’s batsmen attempted to push the scoring on wickets began to fall at regular intervals and with 10 overs remaining Windsor had managed to restrict them to 144-7, with Wigley taking four wickets and Lines picking up two. A few lusty blows from Boyne Hill’s tail enders prompted skipper Noble to bring back strike bowler Kemp and the big South African did not disappoint as he literally blew the tail away. Two wickets with the first two balls of his comeback over saw a nervous looking Boyne Hill number 11 come to the crease on a hat-trick ball. The field was immediately brought in with all nine men crowded round the bat. Kemp however, did not need them as a full and straight delivery saw the batsman’s middle stump uprooted for Kemp to claim his hat-trick and leave Windsor very happy to have bowled their opponents out for just 180.

Windsor’s chased started cautiously with both Ashraf and Dawson very watchful early on. Both began to play with more confidence once they got their eye in and it with therefore a surprise when both fell in quick succession to leave Windsor 41-2 after 14 overs. Once Noble had fallen cheaply the big hitting duo of Simon Rodwell and Kemp began to blast Windsor into a match winning position. However, both fell playing big shots and after 25 overs Windsor were 95-5 leaving the game very evenly poised. A couple more quick wickets after drinks left Windsor still need 65 at four an over with just 3 wickets remaining. Enter Wayne Lloyd who, partnered by the experienced Wigley, built a partnership to pull the game back into Windsor’s favour. As Wigley ensured the run rate ticked over, Lloyd opened his shoulders and played some fine shots all around the wicket. After he had reached a deserved half century it was left for Wigley to hit the winning runs as Windsor reached their target with 4 overs to spare and pick up a deserved and very hard fought victory.