Sixes Fly at 'Cradle of Cricket'

Report by Topspinner:

TEN sixes were lofted over the Broadhalfpenny Down boundary when the touring Kenya Kongonis cricket team met Brigands CC at the famous 'cradle of cricket' venue near Hambledon, Hampshire, UK, on Sunday. Half of these came from the bat of Neil Trestrail, who has led several MCC teams to Kenya, with 64 not out, the others from Mark Brearey (78 not out), during an unbroken sixth wicket stand of 152.

On a true pitch but one with an initially slow outfield after incessant rain on Saturday, Brigands felt they had Kongonis on the rack at 88 for 5 after 30 overs, but after lunch Trestrail and Brearey opened up and the sizeable crowd of spectators had to take cover as the ball was struck emphatically over all parts of the picturesque hill-top ground.

Kongonis captain David Waters, who was recently awarded an MBE by the Queen for his services to cricket - and much else - in Kenya, and is father of Kenya player Seren Waters, declared on 240 for 5 (55 overs).

Brigands, a largely naval outfit, were always going to find it hard to meet the target and were soon one down with only two runs on the board. But by tea they had reached 57 for 1 from 17 overs and shortly thereafter were 82 for 1 from 20. In the last session they put on a further 139 runs for the loss of five more wickets to total 221 for 7 and play out for an honourable draw - bringing to a satisfactory conclusion their Golden Jubilee Cricket Week.