It's Miller Time

Keyworth 1st XI returned to 1B after a lengthy absence with a trip to West Bridgfordians. Anticipation was so high that even captain Rendu made it to the ground before the 12.45pm deadline. Graham, Strong and Spence were the first to face the Fines Committee with some tardy entrances.

The players were soon sitting down for the pre-season pep talk from the skipper. Surprisingly, wine buff Rendu did not have the expected Semillon in his hand this year as he went through roles and responsibilities. The long haired buffoon did forget his No7 though, but a timely cough from Dale Collison ensured his place in the starting line-up.

Losing the toss, the Millers were inserted on what seemed a featherbed, as the sun shone down. The two oldest players in the team (Ladd at a mere 34 years was suprised at this stat, Graham, 38, was not) opened up. The experienced duo were soon into the swing of things, before Ladd spotted his girlfriend arriving in the car park and threw his wicket. Spence, worthily promoted after a masterful 4 the previous week in the Stiffs, continued the good work as the Millers passed 100. Tony’s demise was soon followed by Tindsley, stumped for a duck. With his foot behind the crease, Tindsley made sure by sliding it further back. This guilty move prompted the umpire to dismiss him. An over later, the white coat changed sides – “I couldn’t see because of the sun” he confessed. Parker hit a breezy 18 before missing a straight one, which saw Rendu to the crease. “He’s the one in the helmet?” asked the Bridgfordians scorer. “No” replied Garland, “that’s just hat and hair”. Crusty soon departed, after being dropped first ball and swishing at his sixth ball for a well crafted 5.

Throughout this steady stream of wickets, Bomber Graham was back to his best, smashing the attack to all parts, whilst lofting a few leading edges skillfully between fielders. Finally, Graham ran out of puff and departed for 145 – another cracking innings from a truly gifted cricketer. (He also happens to be Chairman of Selectors this year, so you won’t read a bad word about him on this website). Collison, Garland and Strong all chipped in to take KCC past 250 for 7. Strong remained not out yet again, to push his KCC average closer to three figures.

Tea was a repeat of last year, with the foodies amongst KCC fearing for a bout of scurvy as little fruit and veg were on display. Juicy melons saved the day.

After an early breakthrough from Rendu, Bridgfordians set about their reply with gusto and reached 100-1 after twenty. However, it was Handy Andy Hiller who broke through. Having had a caught behind turned down earlier in the over, he made the skipper play on. With Graham nagging away with his off spin, and lenghty appealing, the run rate mounted. The KCC fielding display was exemplary. Parker flung himself around, whilst Tony Spence’s size 14 feet swelled to 28s as he stopped everything that came his way on a choppy outfield with his clump feet. Tindsley did spill a half chance, due mainly to the squeal from Parker who thought he had held on. The sight of the maniacal Australian bearing down on Tindsley made him panic, and it popped out – the ball that is.

In the final overs, Ladd held a low slip catch off Hiller that saw the seventh man dismissed and the Millers ended with a winning draw and 17 points.

MOM : Ian Graham
TFC : Geoff Tindsley

MOM Total : Ian Graham 1