Firsts Win With Baker Spin

The Keyworth Canaries notched a first away win, but turned a canter into a near catastrophe at league leaders West Bridgfordians.

Golden Graham returned to a side still missing Laddy’s 20 per cent. Fantasy cricket students were reaching for their transfer forms with news that star all rounder Ball was ready for selection.

Rocket won the toss and took the new ball. Things were evenly matched until Bobby came on. Still smarting from last week’s ball tampering, Baker bowled a deft spell, completely outfoxing the home middle order; a full length c&b was the pick of five wickets.

Ground fielding was once again mixed, Bomber Graham kept up the circus act in the slips, Rocket spilled a sitter and let at least 3 through his legs. Tinpot for once held a diving catch, rather than pushing it round the post.

177-9 at tea was a job well done. Tea was reasonable; sausage and egg sandwiches the highlight, warm orange a letdown.

The usual cavalry charge in reply, DJ Sammy and Bomber Graham trading blow for blow as we raced to 58 off 9 overs. Ian was then suckered into a leg side trap and Sam soon followed. The Ex-Chairman lasted just 3 balls and we were wobbling at 60-3.

Finally the Postman delivered a full round, batting fluently with Rocket to take us to 150-3 without any alarms, before Rocket missed a straight one to go for 43.

Then another crazy Keyworth collapse, prompted by another champagne moment. Tinno skied one miles into the air vertically, the keeper and bowler collided spilling the ball, meanwhile Tinno had run two, but Meeky hadn’t moved at the other end.

It was all too much for the Postie who went for 58. Meeky tried to finish it with a big shot and missed. Bobby tried likewise and missed. Rob the Butcher chopped one to gully and Benji used the back of the bat to get c&b.

With 2 overs left we needed 6 with just Dale and Greeny at the wicket. Dale edged a nervy 2 through the slips, then shut his eyes and hoiked a boundary to win with an over to spare.

M.O.M. Rob Baker

M.O.M In Running: Bobby 1, Golden 2, Laddy 1, Meeky 1