Calling All Tigers!
Kempton Tigers created history this weekend by winning the Surrey Slam at the Kia Oval. On a beautiful afternoon in South London, Kempton won the toss and elected to bat. Captain Rashid Khan and Harman Johal set a blistering pace with Khan dispatching his first 3 balls for boundaries and the run rate above 10 per over. Khan fell for an entertaining 21 but the shots kept coming from Gurjeet Singh, Joe Pipe and especially Johal. Johal retired on 53* (competition rules) and Pipe was joined by Charlie Walsh. The young pair kept moving the score along and with some lusty hitting at the end from Jeeta Dillon and Gary Porter, Tigers posted an impressive 178-6.
Sinjun Grammerian Gladiators started the chase with gusto, with Rizvi blasting numerous boundaries in quick succession, keeping apace with the required run-rate. 1st XI skipper Ethan Walsh entered the attack and soon accounted for Rizvi which checked the Gladiators' progress. Wickets continued to follow regularly assisted by some outstanding catching in the deep, none more so than Joe Pipe who took an unbelievable diving, one-handed grab at deep mid-wicket when the ball looked certain to be going for 6. All the bowlers contributed - particularly the spinners - but it was Walsh who took the plaudits for an outstanding 4-30. Needing 28 from the final over and with the classy Malik having retired for 52, the Gladiators were too far behind and Deen Yousaf completed a quiet over leaving Gladiators on 156-8 at the close - sparking wild celebrations from the Tigers.
This was an amazing day that will live long in the memory. Well done to Captain Rashid Khan, all players and the amazing supporters for making such a memorable day.
Go Tigers!
Martin Watts
Chairman, Kempton CC