NEW Church professional Justin Kemp was within a couple of yards of writing himself into the record books as he posted a career-best score for Eastern Province.
The South African Test all-rounder hit five consecutive sixes off one over during his innings of 188 against North West last weekend as Eastern Province won by nine wickets to keep alive their slim hopes of reaching the final of the Supersport Series.
He also hoisted the final ball of off-spinner Morne Strydom's over towards deep square leg but with the ball dropping just short of the ropes and being fielded on the first bounce he missed out on joining Sir Garfield Sobers and Ravi Shastri as the only players to hit six sixes in an over in first-class cricket.
Kemp took the man-of-the-match award and his outstanding form during the South African season recently earned him his first Test cap against Sri Lanka.
And the 23-year-old, six-feet, six all-rounder looks certain to be named in the tour party to take on the West Indies in the spring.
That would keep Kemp out of Church's first-half-dozen games but the Transco Lancashire League club accept that as the price to pay for unearthing one of the game's brightest young players.
Church's league representative Jack Houldsworth said: "We aim to sign guys who are on the fringe of getting well known before the money goes silly.
"If the lad progresses quicker than we expect we can't grumble about that. If he goes on as he is he's going to be a star, although it's difficult to predict in these wet conditions when a guy's not been here before."
Assuming Kemp is selected for the Caribbean tour, Church will look to use substitute professionals until he arrives in this country. Meanwhile, former Enfield pro Dave Saker is still looking for a new club in Lancashire.
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