Unwelcome return for the rain

Following the recent improvement in weather and two good results, the Keyworth 1st XI knew that three more good performances at the business end of the season would see them vying for a promotion place for the third season running, and a possible return to Division A.

The match against Kirkby Portland saw the reappearance of Suffolk Tour casualty Rob Baker, sporting trimmed locks that took years and pounds off him. Bobby passed a Friday fitness test that required him to throw tennis balls at Paula’s best flowerpots (he didn’t say if he actually hit any of them…). Skipper Rocket Rendu had also been to the crimper’s; rumours were abound that IG may soon be sporting a weave from the knee-deep sweepings off the barber’s floor.

The Keyworth team also saw the return of Wensley-Dale also for his first game since the Tour, back from a unique two-centre holiday of Sicily and Blackpool. Unfortunately the weather didn’t follow him back, as light drizzle fell over the Field of Dreams as the teams arrived.

Earlier in the day in an effort to help get his eye in, Dale called Youth Policy Manger Geoff Tindsley to meet for a 12noon net. Unfortunately Tinno was ‘busy’, but delegated the task to the Hiller sisters, giving Dale their home phone number. When the number was called, a male voice answered, “Hello?”… “Is Andy or Dave there please?”… “I think you’ve got the wrong number…” “…Is that Geoff…?” “Yes, who’s that?”…”It’s Dale you numpty! You’ve given me your number rather than the twins!” Numeracy obviously not essential for a Quantity Surveyor then!

A full days play was thought to be very unlikely as the captains tossed up, so a reduced 40-over format was agreed. Rendu won the toss and not surprisingly elected to bat. IG and Grant were the opening pair as Chris Ladd was away enjoying a spot of ‘window shopping’ in Amsterdam. Grant (6) was first to fall after playing-on to a yorker, but at least managed to crash one shot over extra cover for a maximum return to keep ahead in the six hitting competition.

As the rain got heavier, IG’s trusty slog-sweep despatched one 6 and five 4’s on the way to his 38 before falling LBW to the tidy, but ginger, opening bowler.

The early net didn’t appear to help Dale (9) batting at No.3, but Geoff Tindsley (40*) and Doug Bayford (18) kept the scoreboard ticking. Keyworth were 73-3 after the first 20 overs in increasingly poor conditions.

There weren’t too many smiles coming from the scorer’s tent as the conditions were miserable for Shelly (and the weather didn’t help either…)

With no relent in the rain in sight, the umpires had a mid-wicket tête a tête, but after a lengthy discussion with the fielders and batsmen, they agreed to play on. Unfortunately the break did for Dougie as he was bowled the very next ball. As skipper Rocket walked to the wicket he agreed with Tinno that he’d get himself in for the next 4 overs then go for it. Clearly this was not a binding agreement as his first four balls resulted in; Big swing and a miss. Six over cow corner. Four through extra cover, and Straight six over the hedge. Just as Rocket (31* from 14 balls) was getting warmed up, the now torrential rain brought a halt to proceedings at 3.35pm in the 32nd over, with the Millers looking good at 152-4.

An early tea was taken with the dream team of the Graham’s & Collison’s providing the spread. Reported highlights were the ‘rare as hen’s teeth’ Corn Beef and pickle rolls, and the home-made Victoria Sponge packed with fresh cream and strawberries.

As time wore on after tea waiting for the now patchy drizzle to completely stop, the two teams entertained themselves by arranging various versions of back garden cricket, with the ever-competitive Bobby Baker nearly repeating his tour injury by slipping on the wet grass in his flip-flops (and socks!) going for a sharp close catch.

After 5pm it was pretty clear the match wouldn’t be finished and had to be abandoned, seeing the two teams head for the Salutation for an early drink.