Firsts Beaten by Long Eaton

With Underwood underwater, the Firsts who got the season underway at home to Long Eaton.

The selection committee had needed a revolving door policy all week with more casualties than an episode of Holby City.

Bowling first and with Rocket away, Strongy revelled in a downhill run and had the new cherry seaming. The Long Eaton openers rode out the early storm and soon began to expand their range of shots.

Cowlard had a day to forget, largely due to the 15 pints the night before: 'never again' he grumbled, after two dropped catches. The Long Eaton pro gleefully accepted his let offs and helped himself to a ton, testing out the new bottom end fence with a series of flowing drives.

Nerves were frayed, off the pitch, as star all-rounder Ball struggled with technology and had to rely on updates from the opposition's battered tranny to keep tabs on Forest's promotion push. Bobby went for 18 in an over and was mystified to get a round of applause, unaware that the final whistle had just blown at the City Ground!

Benji had his usual run out in the closing stages and Strongy returned to cap the late run chase, 3-38 off 12 the pick of the bowling. 215-6 at tea.

Jean set the bar high with a glorious spread. Among the many highlights were prawn sandwiches and clotted cream scones.

Ted battled through the early exchanges only to be bowled off his pads. In his last visit to the crease before a trip to the farrier, Benji played a couple of glorious straight drives, before being bowled by a beauty. Dougie and Meeky then gave Bomber solid support and we were still in the hunt at halfway.

Jemma had spotted a fine business opportunity with so many of the Millers' squad crocked. And the queue at the physio's couch was longer than at Laddy's Bar on 2020 day. Leggy went for a consultation on his dicky ankle and was advised to see a vet, while Drurs needed a full can of Duckhams hypergrade to get his back moving again.

Meanwhile, Bomber wasn't at his fluent best, but still played some glorious cover drives, until playing across a straight one on 65.

Keyworth legend Palmer arrived in time to see Cowlard at the crease. AC was soon playing to the gallery with a trademark snap hook through mid wicket, much like his 9iron off the 9th fairway the previous day that hit the clubhouse window!

The lower order struggled in the gathering gloom and Barry was set a puzzle: had we ever played out for a losing draw in KCC history? Bobby offered 7/4 against it, and Dave Hiller-Sister was caught behind next ball, before anyone had chance to lump on.

135 all out was a brave effort.