Kitch sinks 'em

Second in the league Keyworth II's put out a strong side against 2nd from bottom visitors Risley at an overcast and humid Field of Dreams. The Stiffs welcomed back Ted Elliott, Rob Beake and Andy Cowlard with Dale Collison also promoted from the firsts. AC managed to lose the toss and Keyworth were inserted with Ted and Scooby opening up. Risley's pint sized opening bowler who was about 12 bowled well, but was dispatched by Scooby (26) who only dealt in 4's before getting out caught on the boundary even though the fielder looked as though he was almost in the hedge.

Beakey continued his good form with the bat and hit a stylish 31 before being bewildered by the slowest of slow balls from the Risley grenade launcher. Keyworth were 100-2 off 27 overs when Emma Dale (38) came to the crease, and he and Ted who was playing a steady innings put on 80-odd in 13 overs before DC was caught behind.

AC (12) was unfortunate to get run out at the non-striker's end before really getting going, leaving Paul Lay (28*) and Ted, who carried his bat to 76* to help post an impressive 234-4 in their 45 overs.

Paul Lay continued his good work with a marvellous spread for tea. Scones topped with jam and strawberries were the delicious highlight.

After the break Risley's debut opener punished anything of full length and the visitors were up with the run rate at 81-0 after 20 overs. A breakthrough was hard to come by and was made even harder due to some dodgy umpiring decisions by Risley's players who were standing as square leg umpire, missing a clear run-out and stumping. It was left to Kitch (5 for 44) to come on and change the game, taking a wicket in his first over, two in his second and one in his third as Risley were pegged back to 142-3 off 30 overs.

AC switched ends to come up the hill after a fruitless opening spell and bagged three wickets of his own as the visitor's batting order collapsed. Kitch bagged his fifth wicket as the visitors slumped to 180-9 off 40. The last pair held out to deny Keyworth maximum points as their innings closed on 207.

Drurs is away.