Normington and Steiner Cash In

Another beautiful night at the Field of Dreams, saw the visit of the pinnacle team in junior cricket: Radcliffe. With the wires out, chairs lined up and urn switched on Normington lost the toss (don’t worry it’s a Keyworth trait) for the 2nd night in succession, as Radcliffe elected to bat with a large crowd gathered.


Boys, eyes on the game, you can play with girls later!

Having scored over 200 (409-6) in their 20 overs against Carrington in their last match, it was always going to be tough. Tuckwell and apprentice scorer to the stars, Cairns, had the pencil sharpener at close hand.

Newell and Stolworthy opened up very tightly, a maiden from Newell in his second over keeping a lid on the scoring, as the first pair departed with 17 on the scorecard, without loss.

Neece was brought on up the hill and immediately brought success, the batsmen unwisely chancing a second to the arm of Healey and a super throw allowed Neece to whip off the bails in the 5th over. Steiner followed this up with a fantastic over: a second ball in swinging yorker removed middle stump. Dimp strode into view with rumours of Legge in the umpire roll and checking the letters of the law were being upheld. The batsman walked onto another pearling delivery with Legge in no doubt and finger raised for an LBW, and Dimp storing the knowledge. Dreamland.

Two successive fours in Steiner’s following over didn’t deter the left arm swinger as the batsman top edged to leave all eyes on Hennessey who, bravely and duly, pouched a trousery one.

The Radcliffe boys showed the finer points of chanceless batting, dealing with each ball on its merits: content for the wides and waiting for anything off line. With no bowler receiving any tap Radcliffe showed the importance of not losing any wickets (-6) whilst nudging 6 an over.

Healey took a deserved wicket with his final delivery, as a huge top edge headed into the heavens. Hennessy once again showing his fantastic progression, called for it and as breaths were held in the outfield, the ball landed safely in both hands. Good lad.

The Radcliffe innings finished on 325 for 5, with 296 the total for victory. An excellent all round display from the Keyworth boys who carried on where they left off at Wollaton the night previous.

Sharon was doing a roaring trade and a sterling job in the Tuckers shop, a freshly baked chocolate iced sponge that morning was flying off the shelf like hot… cakes… Tuckwell lucky to scoop the final piece as the customers flooded in.

The amount of wickets conceded has been the worry as Tuckwell served up the chance of cash, with a pound each for any pair that didn’t get out.

Tudor and Brown had the honours to open, with the former running an excellent 4 through gully on the opening delivery. A couple of wides saw the total on 209 without loss off 2.

Brown was caught with one that nipped back before proceeding to either spot someone in an upstairs bedroom window, or try to bring a plane into land as the one handed County leave was become more and more elaborate to the frustration of Dad on the sidelines. Tudor fell in the last over to another terrific delivery. 212-2 off 4

Healey and Neece endured a frustrating time. The first over: 5 consecutive wides, nice 10 runs but no rhythm. A quick single proved not quick enough as the experienced hard and flat throwing to the excellent keeper left Neece stranded. Healey presented a straight forward chance in the covers which was followed by another 4 wides and wicket, as the patience ebbed away. A further chance was served up to the in field and safely dealt with. 230–6 off 8.

Coulhard and Stolworthy strode in looking to recreate their Bank Holiday form. More wides disrupted the rhythm and chances kept coming, 2 further catches easily taken and a beautiful straight delivery removing middle and off. 256–9.

Newell and Hennessy set off with the latter proclaiming, ‘forget the score, I’m in it for the quid!’ This was not to be as the bails were soon dislodged playing across a straight one. With the pick of the bowlers on it was a defensive effort. One slipped through the gate of the previous nights hero, Newell, before Hennessy chopped to midwicket. 261–12

Normington and Steiner negotiated the deal and were determined to leave Tuckwell out of pocket and bring the score in positive figures. Some wide deliveries left Tuckwell figuring a conspiracy with the bowlers being in on the act! But some fantastic chanceless defence and good running saw the pair put on 15 with out loss as we closed for 276 for 12 (204)

An excellent fielding performance once again, against the leagues top team, with the bowling probably better: 58 of the 76 Keyworth runs coming off wide deliveries. Once again the wickets conceded being a huge factor in the difference in score.

Normington and Steiner proving excellent and showing the importance of not losing a wicket, and yet keeping the scoreboard ticking over.


One pound sterling to Normington (left) and Steiner (right) Although mum did impart that Dominic would be just as happy with a donut! Food for thought.

Well done boys, another great effort and same again on Monday against Carrington.