Match Report: 3s vs Southgate CC 3s (11/06/2022)

Toss: Kenton 3s won the toss and decided to bat first.

The first timed game saw Southgate welcomed to the Alan Digby ground. Southgate, having been relegated and receiving a hammering in their previous match had rung the changes and welcomed a number of their regulars. However, Kenton were also fielding a strong 11 and with that in mind, won the toss and batted in a glorious afternoon looking to take advantage of low morale in the opposition and gain an extra two points with a potential win. Kenton started strongly and looked to be heading towards a large total the innings being built around kaka (uncle) Sajjad. Sajjad showed his domination of spin has not been lost with age or parenthood. He reached a fluent 50, and set up the potential for a daunting total on a low, slow wicket. He was ably supported by Pranav D and Chirag P. Unfortunately, Kenton lost wickets regularly chasing those runs and were eventually skittled out for 223 in 43 overs after some rear guard hitting from Ravi and Pranav S. 25 short of where they should have reached, but still 40-50 over par.

The second half the game never really got started for Southgate, losing an early wicket to a comical run out. The Southgate batsmen imploded one by one, playing aggressive shots far too early in their respective innings and their innings was summed up when no1 and no4 had a mild discussion over a miscommunication in running, only for the no.4 to swing wildly next ball and have to make the walk back to the pavilion. Prish Roy led the bowling effort with a fifer, Ravi is opening partner keeping it tight from the other end and so building the pressure together. The other bowlers used came and shared the other 4 wickets for a comprehensive victory of 120runs. With the match finishing earlier than the other fixtures in the league, it allowed Kenton to be second for an hour, and showed how close it is.

Next week is local derby against Stanmore, who themselves are currently in a good vein of form.