Kempton Park brush Boksburg aside
Kempton's foundation for the impressive win was put in place by solid bowling from Robert Mutch and David Jacobs
By Sabelo Mashego
AN exceptional innings by Kempton Park opening batsman Casey Arnold helped his side to a nine-wicket win over Boksburg in Kempton Park on Sunday, October 11.
Arnold smashed 115 during the Eastern Cricket Premier League fixture as his side overhauled Boksburg’s target of 202 in 34.1 overs for the win.
Fellow top order batsmen, Dylan Nel (unbeaten 70) and Gareth Hart (six not-out) chirped in to steer the hosts to a comfortable 204 runs.
Much like their season opener against Actonville Spurs at the Prince George Park, Boksburg had a faltering start behind the crease and had to rely on the in-form Ruan du Plessis to keep the scoreboard busy, as they batted first having lost the pre-match coin toss.
With 15 overs gone, the travelling side faced an embarrassing outcome with their tally reading 40/7 with John Haywood contributing 23 of the runs.
Boksburg’s team included 14-year-old Maxwell Meyer and the interesting inclusion paid dividends for captain Len Meyer’s team as the youngster shared a 100-run partnership with the red-hot Du Plessis, who again passed the half century mark with his brilliant score of an undefeated 91.
With the skipper adding an unbeaten 20, Boksburg’s blushes were saved and the visitors had a respectable score to defend but would ultimately fall short.
Kempton’s foundation for the impressive win was put in place by solid bowling from Robert Mutch and David Jacobs with their respective wicket braces. The duo were joined by Jurie Snyman on the wicket taker’s list with his solitary wicket.
Despite defeat, Boksburg skipper Meyer, remained upbeat.
“I’m very proud of the way we showed character from old to young, we never gave up and still batted our 50 overs after a horrible start. I also have to say Ruben Scheepers bowled very well in his first game of the season,” said Meyer, who also lauded Maxwell and Du Plessis for their influential partnership.
Boksburg host Springs Old boys next while Kempton, who are skippered by stalwart Johan Fourie, move on to a home tie with Tembisa.
