Firsts make KCC history

For the first time in living memory The Millers played out a losing draw whilst away at Calverton. A bright and sunny day was welcomed by all, especially super scorer Shelly who had just about thawed out from last week’s arctic adventure. The ever-changing KCC line-up was without 5 players from the loss last weekend (Bobby, IG, both Hiller-sisters and Tinno) but welcomed back Alex Sheriston and also ex-pat Chris Ladd & Stuart Meek for their first outings of the season. Paul Lay and Big Ted were promoted from the stiffs to give the side a solid looking batting line up.

With Dave Strong being held up temporarily at the hospital with Michelle (now thankfully at home and on the mend), KCC took to the field with 10 men and only one opening bowler in the shape of skipper Rendu who bowled a long, accurate but fruitless opening spell. New boy Alex stepped up to the plate at the other end and after a few nervy opening overs sent down a good 11 over spell getting one scalp. One of his deliveries almost recreated the Long Haired Buffoon’s dismissal from last week, as the batsman, appearing to be ready, kept looking down at his toes right up until Alex released the ball. Unlike Rocket he managed to get his bat in the way just in time.

The pitch was offering little for the bowlers, and although the majority of their top order weren’t really troubling the scorers, the big lad at the other end was fetching anything on a good length to the on-side boundary. At 33 overs he reached his ton with the score at 150-4. Stuart Meek was brought on to make use of the humid conditions and was the bowling highlight, managing to outwit 6 victims (12-58-6) with his unique mixed-bag brand of deliveries.

Although the fielding was much better this week, there were still 3 drops, and this enabled the home team to post 238-9 in their 48 overs; although this was felt to be eminently achievable on a small ground with a fast outfield.

Tea was forgettable.

With Iggy on babysitting duties, the returning Chris Ladd opened up with the in-form Grant Parker. Laddy (12), wearing a helmet for the first time, looked in good touch until the 5ft ginger opening bowler slotted a near Yorker length delivery though his defences. Partnerships would be the key to reaching the winning total, but unfortunately it was not to be for any of the top 4. Grant (12), was puzzled by a full toss slower ball, which on another day may have been called as a no-ball. He timidly clipped it around the corner to give square leg some catching practice. At 33-2 after 10 overs Ted and Emma-Dale knew they had to stick around and pick up at least 5 an over. Things were going well until Dale unluckily played on for 6 after trying to see out the final ball of a productive over. Ted, after again showing he’s still got it at this level, was out caught in the slips soon after for 20. With Doug Bayford going for duck, at 78-5 after 24 overs, the innings wasn’t exactly going to plan.

With The Millers staring down the barrel, skipper Rendu and new boy Alex held firm and put on a stylish 75 run partnership, with Rocket out first for 44 taking KCC to 156-6 with 10 overs left. With Stuart Meek and Dave Strong still to come, 8.5 an over was still possible to win the match, however when Alex was out two overs later for a valuable 43, the win was looking less likely and the home side could sniff a victory.

Fortunately, Meeky (24) and Strongy (25 not out) held firm with Paul Lay also coming in to see out the final couple of overs. KCC finished on 202-8 to ensure the two additional points were secured.

The match against Southwell next week would be a good time to secure a first home victory of the season.

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