Volunteers to ‘save’ league

Parkrun

The future of the Kent Regional Cricket League is looking positive again. As a result of the impending retirement of the chairman and treasurer Keith Hemstalk – and other committee members – delegates from nearly 200 teams attended a special general meeting last week. And they immediately agreed it was the clubs’ wish that the league – which has as many as 20 divisions – should continue. There had been fears it would be wound up unless members responded to Mr Hemstalk’s plea for volunteers to hold office. He has been chairman since the league’s inauguration. But about 20 intimated they were willing to seek election once they had more information about their probable roles and what would be expected of them. Brian Smith, the present fixture secretary, from Sidcup CC, expressed a wish to become chairman and it was decided prospective committee members should have a gettogether before the annual meeting in November in the hope they could be nominated for election. Matt Walker was full of praise after Sam Billings returned from the migraine which had laid him low for two days to defy Durham at Chester-le-Street.

Set a near-impossible target of 371 in 56 overs to claim an unlikely County Championship victory, there were 28 overs left when Billings went in on the final afternoon with his side reeling on 74-5.

But while four more wickets fell, he remained unbeaten on 70 as Kent escaped against Durham with a draw for the second time this season.

Kent coach Walker admitted: “We were surprised they batted on after lunch (on the final day). We thought 300 was enough on a pitch which had enough in it for a quality bowling attack.

“I thought they would have wanted 65 overs but it nearly worked for them. In terms of the situation and the way he has been feeling for the previous two days, that’s as well as I’ve seen Sam Billings play in four-day cricket.

“He didn’t feel right after day one and still wasn’t 100% on the last day but he showed great character and skill.”

Kent continue their County Championship campaign at Gloucestershire this week, with an away game at Derbyshire starting on Tuesday (10.30am).