A REMARKABLE game at Ardencaple last Saturday saw Helensburgh Cricket Club pull off a shock win over Western District Cricket Union first division title challengers Kelburne.

Despite the monsoon during the week, the wily old grounds team of Alex Todd and Graeme Lang did a phenomenal job of getting a wicket ready for the game. However, the pitch was green and soft and skipper Gregor Chambers had no hesitation, having won the toss, in putting Kelburne in to bat.

It proved to be an excellent decision when Chambers took a wicket in each of his first two overs. With Aidan Keogh bowling in miserly fashion at the other end, the Helensburgh opening combination gave Kelburne nothing to play at and they were justly rewarded in the ninth and 10th overs with a wicket apiece to leave Kelburne reeling on 12 for 4.

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Chambers finished with 7-2-16-3 and Keogh 10-5-11-2. Rajitha Waruna came into the attack and ripped through the Kelburne lower order, taking four for four in just four overs, including a superb stumping by Daisy Adams, reducing Kelburne to 59 all out inside 28 overs.

This was a terrific display from the bowlers, well backed up in the field with good catches by Darren Butler and Cameron White as Helensburgh put their foot down when they were well on top.

The pitch was tricky, so sensible batting was the order of the day. In the meeting earlier in the season, Kelburne had bowled Helensburgh out for just 27 and things were looking ominous when some poor shot selection quickly saw the home side reduced to 15 for five after nine overs.

The ever-youthful Ian Chambers joined Gregor at the crease and the pair compiled a very patient 27 over the next 13 overs before Ian was trapped lbw.

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When Adams fell for four just three overs later, the home side were still five short of victory and Kelburne really had their tails up. White did the right thing of dotting deliveries and giving Gregor as much strike as possible and it was very fitting that he would go on to clip one off his legs for four to win the match, finishing 31 not out.

And Gregor was understandably jubilant at the end.

He said: “This is a massive result for us. Most people wouldn’t have expected much from us today, but as I’ve said before, this side has plenty of ability. I’m delighted for everyone at the club who helped get the game played that we were able to get this win.”