Ernie Lays It Down To Chilwell

The Fortress of Dreams looked a picture on a balmy Summer day for the visit of Chilwell. Cowlard, Greats and DJ Spence were missing, Drurs returned as the sun was shining. More concerning was the absence of star all rounder Ball, and Meeky had to be summoned from the Firsts to plug the gap.

The week after Keyworth Show regularly brings the best pitch of the season, so our batters were crying into their lunchtime beer with news that Top Man Burton was planning to bowl first. Hearing the news, KCC legend Palmer opted for a long bike ride to Hickling. Fortunately we tossed up with a double-headed coin; Lay and Drury didn't need asking twice to make use of the belter.

40 was up in rapid time, before Drurs got a good one, bowled for 18. Burton looked unhappy to follow soon after LBW. Hard to believe, but Meek's eyes were bigger than his belly at a juicy long hop, holing out to deep extra. Lay Snr and Jr settled the nerves with a steady partnership, until Paul played one slog too many and was bowled for 21. Pistol Pete played a few trademark front foot cuts, but soon persished. Sheriff Hallam, celebrating his 60th birthday weekend, played a majestic leg glance in a quickfire 18. All the while Ernie continued on his merry way, giving a running commentary to every ball. Ern' finally ran out of steam, but got a standing ovation for his 72.

Boss Hogg Leggy took responsibility for the tail. Not much of the wagon wheel needed completing as all his 19 runs came in the arc from square leg to cow corner. Duncan Tarran was delighted with his single.

197-9 at tea silenced the doubters. Tea by Mr Beeton was exceedingly good, cherry bakewells the highlight.

Difficult to fathom the approach Chilwell took to their reply. At no time during the 45 overs did they show any inclination to bat for a win. Early breakthroughs from Cabbage Head and Sheriff left Chilwell 30 odd for 3 off 20 overs. Leggy was regretting his three visits to the cake tray, with several fumbles in the field, and could get no joy from the benign pitch with his bowling.

The field position chart wasn't required as our troops were manouevred according to the Keyworth Show stalls, still written in whitewash on the field. Penfold Pete was in his element all afternoon shuttling between the cake stall and the target golf.

Meek brought on the spin twins Murali and Drurs to try to get Chilwell to have a go, but to no avail. No amount of jib or banter could deflect the batters from their grim occupation. Paul 'One Gets Two' Lay, made the wry observation that the opposition were playing for the light, as the moon (no joke) came out.

Finally, in the last over, Meeky offered £20 for a boundary off his bowling. The bet wasn't matched but gallows humour followed as a long hop disappeared over square leg.

144-7 was a turgid effort. Still 18 points cements our position in the top half.

MOM: Evergreen Ernie Lay

M.O.M In Running: Ernie 3, Leggy 2, Murali 1, Liam 1