Where the Ellerslie's our first win?

With new skipper IG away, and vice captain Geoff Tindsley still crocked for at least another 4 weeks, it fell upon Bobby Baker to take up the reins on Saturday with Keyworth looking for their first win of the season.

The pre-match ritual was just like old times for Bobby, a shambles, with only 7 players at the ground at kick off time. Paul Lay was a late call off and Rocket Rendu was at the wrong end of the M1 having picked up a new motor from a dodgy dealer in Southampton, and then was stuck for over an hour on the M25 following an accident. Added to this, all rounder Dave Strong was under a threat of baby sitting duty from 3pm should Michelle be called into work...

The Ellerslie wicket was looking very green & mossy and was a bit damp on top... a good toss to win... but for the 4th time this season Keyworth batted first, so it's not just Iggy who can't call correctly. Opening bat Marc Bailey and Andy Wilcox turned up as Emma Dale and Strongy were striding out to the middle, just in time to see DC (5) fall in the third over after his first ball flew over his head from just short of a length.

Strongy was then out for a duck as a bit of "yes, no, wait...bugger" on a misfield saw him run out on a close call. Bailey (6) soon followed as the opening pace attack fully exploited the swinging conditions and lively track leaving KCC in all sorts of bother. Pub Landlord Stuart Meek loves the beautiful British game and fancied having a bat this week, so opted for the 1st team after sitting with his pads on all innings for the 2's match at Kimberley! He batted with housewives and scorers favourite Doug Bayford, and soon another suicidal run should have seen Meeky back in the pavilion. But there was a moment of controversy and poor sportsmanship as Ellerslie claimed a run out after the bails were taken off by the keeper without the ball in his hand. Fortunately the umpire saw the moment clearly without the need for the replay, and called him back.

But with Doug (4) and Stuart (17) soon departing, the writing seemed to be on the wall at 41-5 in 18 overs. Fortunately the innings was saved by a captain's knock with Rob batting for 90 mins for his 37. The tail wagged and he was ably supported by Rob Beake (28*) and, batting out of character, Dave Hiller (13*), who smashed an astonishing straight six that he thought he'd hit for a single!

The long haired buffoon eventually arrived at high speed, surprisingly in his whites, just in time to see the 8th wicket fall in the 40th over. The batting order had Barry looking through his notes to see if Rocket was the best No.11 the club has ever had. But despite his rush to get there, Steve didn't get a bat as the innings closed on 153-8, helped by 33 extras.

Strongy got the dreaded call to babysit over tea time, but fortunately Tuckers and Chris Soar were on hand to sub field. However, with the rules dictating that Rocket was unable to bowl until nearly 8pm, the visitors were effectively two bowlers down. So, as is the long term plan this season, it was up to the younger generation to step up to the plate. Andy Hiller (14-5-37-4) duly obliged with the very first ball, as the opener walked past one that seamed back. Emma Dale then snaffled the No3 at 3rd slip off Andy Wilcox after the skipper moved him in from gulley the ball before, leaving the home side shocked at 1-2 in the 4th over.

Patience was the key on a wicket that was drying in the baking conditions but still had enough in it to force an error. Specialist fielder Rendu took three great catches as the Millers slowly chipped away at the Ellerslie top order, leaving them at 82-6 in the 26th over.

Champagne moment of the day was a Harlem Globetrotters style slip catch off Baker by Emma Dale. The sharp chance fell to his left hand and bounced up to his wrist as he hit the floor, the ball rolled up his thigh and onto his belly and eventually nestling in his groin... not that he knew much about it!

Dong Bayford then took a great catch as the home side wobbled in their 3 an over run chase as Dave Hiller and Stuart Meek both took a victim. With Andy Hiller coming back on and the time nearing 8pm, Millers looked to have a slight advantage at 99-7, but Ellerslie's young No9 showed great composure and took the side within 20 runs of victory with a couple of big sixes and some clean hitting. Yet another two quick wickets saw the score go to 138-9 and Keyworth sniffed a victory that was so unlikely when they were 41-5.

But the No11 chanced his arm, with Rendu unlucky not to get the breakthrough with the 2 overs he bowled, and the winning runs came with a six with 3 overs remaining to the delight of the home side.

What was noticeable in the Keyworth side was the camaraderie and team spirit that typifies the club.

So it appears that the paying public are getting their monies worth out of Keyworth this season, and surely the first win is around the corner to get their season rolling.