Dancing between the Rain Drops

The Millers looked to return to winning ways after the shambles at Plumtree with the visit of Hucknall. Laddy returned to weaken the batting line-up, whilst Andy Hiller became the first player in KCC history to be promoted on form after grabbing wickets in the 2nds, despite captain Rendu’s confusion of which twin to pick. The Field of Dreams had suffered from the week’s rain but with Rocket late (again), vice-captain Baker tossed up, and decided to bat. It didn’t matter said the big V-C, as rain was imminent. Rocket finally arrived to jeers and calls for his resignation.

The random opening pair was going to be Laddy and Dessy, but Ian Graham arrived in the nick of time to steal the No2 jacket, and was promptly dropped down the legside off his first ball. Ladd proved the form tipsters right with another failure, but the Postman steadied the ship before falling LBW. Dessaur grabbed a quick duck, deciding to save Dringy’s bat from damage by shouldering arms to a straight one. Dessaur retreated to his car, and as the engine ticked over, many feared that he had attached the hosepipe to the exhaust. With great relief, observers realised that Dessy just wanted the air-conditioning on, whilst giving two fingers to global warming! The innings was then built around some Nifty Fiftys, as Graham, Rendu and Aussie Parker all helped themselves to half centuries. Parker’s was the highlight, hit in an estimated 35 balls, including a couple of monster sixes. Rendu also peppered the houses, undetered by the impending lawsuit awaiting the club from the owner of the damaged roof after Bomber Graham’s raid earlier in the season. As the overs ran out, so did the Keyworth tail, as first Collison and then Dring modelled their running on Inzaman. 245 for 9 was above par, and certainly above the predicted 50 all out from one grumpy KCC opener.

Tea was served up by Mrs. Dring, and the high standards were maintained with a wonderful spread. Turkey Twislers and Fruit Cake were the highlights.

The Hucknall reply started in chaos, as their star batsman was called for a quick single to Bobby Baker. A fair call many would say, but the nimble footed spinner swooped at backward point, and with a “dip and drive” from the Sam Bradley training camp, hit the stumps direct. However, in the next over, morale was shattered when Baker dived over a slash through the gully and damaged one of his meaty shoulders. Out of the attack, KCC needed the other bowlers to stand up and be counted. Andy Hiller kept the pressure on with a steady spell up the hill, bagging a couple of wickets, and the fielding and catching was good, aside from a dolly spilled at second slip by Bomber Graham. Graham was the accused of taking a bung - Rendu throwing down the stumps as the non-striker dawdled back to his crease, but Graham invited him back for a second go! However, having counted his cash, Graham recovered to bowl a wily spell. As the Hucknall innings collapsed, the Millers tempted the away team with a run chase with some Pukka Pies from Dessaur. At first, the batsmen declined the temptations on offer, preferring to dawdle between balls and wait for the rain to arrive. However, it proved too much for one batsman who slogged a catch to Baker. The incoming batsman asked how many were left. “At least five” said the wily umpire, knowing that Dessaur’s pies came in more varieties than Mr. Kipling. With 50 needed off 8 overs with 2 wickets left, both sides ignored the rain and smelt victory (and Tikka Masala from Indian Nights). Benji was called in to break the partnership, and the Golden Boy duly delivered. It was all over as Graham grabbed his fourth wicket, and the win was celebrated in Buzz, as the rain came down – but all too late for Hucknall.

MoM : Bomber Graham
TFC : Laddy

MOM Total : Garland 1, DJ Sammy 1, Bobby 4, Bomber 5, Big Tone 1, Grant 1, Rocket Rendu 2