Kenyan Connections in England

Not too long ago I posted an article about Jamie Dalrymple who recently toured with England A. Unfortunately, this means he is unlikely to want to play for Kenya, despite being born in Nairobi. However, we shall watch his progress with interest, as well as those of others with a Kenyan connection who are playing overseas.

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Two players that I know of who have ties to Kenya and are also playing in England are both captains of their respective sides. Hitesh Modi is 1st XI Captain at Chesham CC in Buckshire this year, where he also runs specialist coaching sessions for the club juniors. Hitesh is currently still recovering from his broken finger, sustained during Kenya's Intercontinental Cup draw with the Netherlands, but will hopefully lead the club to great things in the Thames Valley League once he has recovered. I only hope that he is also able to get away for International duty for Kenya as well - his experience, determination and batting skills could be crucial to Kenya's success over the next year.

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James Clegg, one of our contributors in the forum and who has a Kenyan mother, captains Fairburn CC in Leeds who play in the Leeds West Riding League. James writes about his first game as captain of the side:

"First game as captain and a victory against the current Leeds League Champions, Garforth PC. It was a great day, winning the toss and putting them in on a wettish wicket. We managed to bowl them out for 155. In reply unfortunately I played all round a straight one, and was dismissed for 5. We were in great danger at 82-6, until BIG Ian Raynor on his return to the club, scored a mammoth 72*, including 7 6s, to win the game by 2 wickets, with just an over to spare...A thrilling start to the season. Now all I need is some runs."

Congratulations to James on his team's victory against the defending champions, and all the best with getting those runs too!

I shall do my best to keep updated with the performance of both clubs over the English summer, and if anyone knows of any other Kenyan connections in action around the World, let me know. In the meantime, Go Fairburn and Chesham!