KENT are contemplating the likely end to their championship challenge because of a ruling made by the United Cricket Board of South African.

The UCBSA’s insistence that both Andrew Hall and Justin Kemp return to Cape Town for a brace of benefit games and a team bonding session with new coach Mickey Arthur, means the county will be without their overseas all-rounders for their nitty-gritty games against leaders Nottinghamshire and 2003 champions Sussex.

Although both Kemp and Hall, who have become Kent heroes in recent weeks, had signed up until the end of September and their contracts stipulated they would only be released international games, the pair reluctantly flew home on Monday night from Heathrow.

In a brief statement Kent officials said: “The club is bitterly disappointed to lose Hall and Kemp's services for the crucially important last few games of the season, but will be re-strengthening its efforts to gain every available point in its remaining matches.”

The loss of Kemp and Hall leaves Kent without the heartbeat of their side and the steely edge and determination the pair bought to each game will surely be missed in the remaining games.

* READ MARK PENNELL'S COMMENTS ON THE DEPARTURE OF HALL AND KEMP IN THIS WEEK'S KM GROUP PAID-FOR NEWSPAPERS.

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