Firsts pipped in 497 run thriller

Keyworth welcomed Clifton Village II's to a sunny and windy FOD. The good weather has done wonders for the early season tracks and groundsman Mick White produced a real belter for the 2nd week in May.

The batting line up was bolstered by the return of Mark Bailey, Ben Elliott and newly engaged Dougie Bayford to the starting XI but were without Bill & Ben Hiller who were doing their homework. The home side lost the toss and were put into bat with Clifton appearing to think that their strong batting line up should be able to chase down any total.

Mark Bailey and Ted opened up with the latter bowled for 7 after making a steady start. Emma-Dale (21) and the patient Bailey then put on a useful 51 run partnership in 10 overs.

After a measured start, IG soon unleashed on the slow seamers sending the ball to all corners with his 41 in 36 balls coming to an end after he managed to pick out the lone fielder on the deep square leg boundary. At 150 odd for 3 in the 35th over the foundation was set for the middle order to capitalise, but the home side managed to lose 3 wickets in as many overs with Rendu (0) Drearden (1) and Bailey (41) falling in quick succession.

Fortunately the Millers batted down to 11, and fine cameos from Strongy (23 in 20 balls), the clean-hitting housewives favourite Dougie (39 from 40 balls), the league's best No.10 Bobby Baker (17* in 12 balls) and able support from Ben (12) and Beakey (5*, including the 2nd textbook on-drive in as many weeks!!) saw an impressive total of 248-9 being posted. It was like the Keyworth of old with everyone making a contribution, but if one batsman had gone on to make a big score, 275 could have been reached.

The Rendu tea was a fine platter as usual with freshly cooked pizza, bacon and chicken wraps and juicy strawberries the highlights.

In reply, the Villagers got off to a rapid start with Strong and Rendu seeing 71-0 coming off the first 10. Strongy was unlucky as IG had the first of his two drops at 1st slip in the 5th over.

The spin twins of Baker and Graham came on to take the pace off and soon reaped rewards as the visitors slowed to 98-2 after 20. However, some big hitting from No.s 4 & 5 meant runs continued at a pace and the near dark and drizzly conditions did nothing to help the fielders, with Rendu dropping a skier in the deep and Dougie almost making two half chances.

The introduction of Mark Bailey in the attack didn't have the desired impact with his first two balls going for 6 and 4, but after finding his rhythm he bagged a brace. At 230-5 after 40 the game looked up, but a mini collapse gave the Millers hope as Rendu and Graham came back into the attack and a further three wickets fell. The Rocket Man's second spell was the best he'd bowled in quite some time.

But it was not to be and the total was reached in the 45th over with 8 wickets down.

So, disappointment in the end, but an all round performance like this against one of the league's better sides gives real encouragement for the rest of the season.

The return of the Hiller sisters next week will be to the benefit of the bowling attack but unfortunately will mean we only bat down to 9 (!)