2014
Mon 25 August Hawley Cancelled – rain
2013
Mon 26 August Hawley Won by 83 runs
We 244/8 in 50 overs (Shahzeb 97, G.Menon 39, Gore 38, J.Adams 3/42)
They 161/10 in 46.3 overs (B.Harris 39, Wilkinson 37*, Jamil 20, Syddall 2/6, Khush Khan 2/23, Nayar 2/46)
In this annual 50-overs match in aid of Cancer Research San broke with tradition and winning the toss decided to bat first on a wicket that is always low and slow but gets easier in the afternoon. “We have a great batting line-up and we should put up a big score” was the confident rationale of the skipper (with his fingers crossed).
Very soon the doubts surfaced as three of our finest, Ajit, Chris and Matt Syddall were caught out by the pitch – 29/3 after 12 overs. Shahzeb and San put their heads down to ensure no further alarms and eked their way to 93/3 at lunch. With 20 overs left the launch pad was laid and pursuit of quick runs was high on the agenda. San’s departure signalled an all-out assault by Shahzeb and Gautom “takes no prisoners” Menon. Both competed to smash the longest six, Shahzeb perishing in the attempt when trying to reach his hundred in spectacular style. Gautom fell in the same manner going for his fourth six. The tail wagged with Eddy knocking a breezy 16 to enable us to reach 244/8 after 50 overs.
Khush struck in his first over followed by Eddy in his second to have Hawley on their heels at 12/2. Harris however was unconcerned, even though Khush got another wicket, and he smote the ball cleanly and confidently. But he spooned one to point and next over Neeraj took a caught and bowled to leave Hawley in dire straits – 66/5 at tea. A wicket on resumption and the game was effectively over. Kensington were in cruise control mode. San gave all his bowlers a go and the fielders relaxed. Neeraj even persuaded Shahzeb to give up his gloves and pretended to be a wicketkeeper, all in good humour. The end came with a run out delivered by dynamo David.
Cheery after-match drinks, an authentic Indian meal created by the inimitable Tom Clay (who received a special award of a Johnnie Walker), match presentations and raffle prizes were all part of an excellent evening. Thank you Hawley for being such wonderful hosts. We might just lose to you next year.
2012
Mon 27 August Hawley Won by 32 runs
Khush with a five wicket haul
We 140/10 in 40.5 overs (Shahzeb 49, Khush Khan 16, A.Setia 11, Clarke 3/35, Litwin 3/35) They 108/10 in 32.4 overs (M.Harris 20, Wilkinson 17, Miles 15, Extras 25, Khush Khan 5/26, Rishad 4/13) This match report was not submitted. Apologies are extended to all our Hawley fans who always look forward to the read. Also to Khush Khan (inset) who took a career best 5/26 inhis 9 overs, including 3 wickets in one over, to ensure an emphatic win for KCC in this annual 50 overs match played in aid of Cancer Research. – Ed.
2011
Mon 29 August Hawley Won by 40 runs
We 206/7 in 50 overs (Tim Keleher 111*, Neeraj Nayar 32, San Gore 16, Clacy 3/38)
They 166/10 in 45.3 overs (Clacy 57*, Petto 31, Harris 24, Pammi Chaggar 4/31, Khush Khan 2/19, Tabrez Khan 2/34)
One of the finest hundreds was crafted in the most difficult conditions to give Kensington a comfortable victory in this annual 50-overs match in aid of Cancer Research. The sign of the three stumps – 111 – is meant to put fear into a batsman.
When the number appeared at Hawley, however, there were furrowed brows, but they belonged to the home side as opener Tim Keleher posted the score and carry his bat through the innings.
Win the toss and field first, is the imperative as early morning dampness in the pitch makes batting most hazardous. So true to form San calls wrongly and KCC are inserted. We start sluggishly losing two wickets within ten overs, those of Amit and Jai, with only 27 on the board. But a watchful Tim (inset) has a stern defence and he kept the scoreboard ticking at every opportunity, helped by a very restrained Shahzeb and a disciplined Pammi. Both were dismissed by Trevor Clacy who completed his 10 overs with figures of 3/38.
At lunch we were just 87/4 after 30 overs, but with Tim still there just short of his fifty. The acceleration began on full stomachs as Tim and Neeraj forced the pace in a 74 run partnership. San stepped in after Neeraj departed, but it was truly a Tim Keleher show as he changed several gears and hoisted 4 effortless sixes over the sightscreen, the last of which, in the penultimate over, enabled him to get to his hundred. 206 was a worthy score on this pitch and the opposition knew it.
From the start Hawley were in trouble against the accurate in-swing of Khush Khan, who struck twice, and the spin of Neeraj and Gabriel. Before long they were reduced to 46/4. Only Clacy and Petto played any innings of substance. But when Petto was out caught and bowled by the wily Pammi there was little else left as Pammi mopped up the tail. Clacy, however, remained defiant to the end with a well struck fifty.
Thus did KCC win back the Barrie Parker trophy. But the result was the least part of the day. Tom Clay’s wonderfully authentic Indian cuisine, the many raffle prizes on offer, Pat Parker’s good-humoured fines, the warmth and camaraderie, all made for a great occasion. I gather also a good sum of money was raised to aid a worthy cause.
KENSINGTON CRICKET CLUB 