Life in the Old KempDog

The Academy team welcomed Rustons CC to the LCG and were under the ‘strong and stable’ captaincy of Matt Pickering. Rustons won the toss and batted first putting on a total of 159-7. Their top scorer (53) nicked the ball to Harry on 0 which was heard by everybody except the umpire. Oh well, that’s cricket and the youngsters continue to learn not all is fair. Despite this all the bowlers (that is all ten of them) bowled well, keeping things tight with a wicket to Gautam, two for Kempo and a stand out performance from the diminutive spinner, 12 year old Dhruv taking 4-0-4-12. Well done!! The less said about the comedic fielding of Alan and Kempo attempting IPL style boundary fielding the better.
So to the Lindum innings. I have to say that this was one of the most mature performances I have witnessed the academy give. Kempo and Pranav opened putting on a partnership of 57 before Pranav fell for 18 well crafted runs. This brought Anton to the crease who showed great confidence in hitting 29, including five boundaries before being bowled. Meanwhile James Kempton continued to develop an increasingly stylish innings with some of the most extravagant leaves I have seen in many a year and some good running between the stumps. Kempo then attempted one quick single too many and was run out for a good knock of 81. This then left Nabil and Picko to knock off the final runs in the 40th over.
A great performance from a very young team who I think will continue to grow in confidence. Also big shout out to the seniors who played and encouraged the youngsters and brought out the best in them.