World Record opening partnership for Firsts

In a bottom of the table battle, the first XI travelled to fellow relegation placed Kimberley on a sun baked afternoon with another depleted side missing regulars Graham, Rendu, Collison, Hiller (D) and new opening bats Bailey and Potts

Tinno made his long awaited first start after injury and made an immediate impact. The former leader of the youth policy seems to have been practicing his tossing technique whilst on the sidelines and his first attempt at wearing the Skippers arm band won our first toss of the season!

After a few slow starts, our third Skipper in six matches decided to be positive on a feather bed with a fast outfield, and one particularly short boundary, by sticking Baker in as a pinch hitter. Batting with Elliott Senior it must have been the heaviest opening partnership in the Club's history, if not the world? With Big Ted anchoring the side, the featherweight Baker (?) was given license to dance around, playing his full array of air shots, skiers over mid-off and sixes over point, mixed with the odd grass cutting four through extra cover.

The opening bowlers were seen off as we progressed well to a solid 49 for 0 from 13 overs but Bakers eyes (or his belly) lit up when he smelt a pie or two with the introduction of spin. He chased a low wide Chicken & Mushroom and was caught behind off the bottom of his bat for 40 off 47 balls. Ted (5* at the fall of the wicket) was joined by Beaky (relegated from the 2's after showing some good form) and they worked the ball around well before both fell in quick succession after a partnership of 54. Ted made a well grafted 38 from 74 and Butch a solid 16 from 50 balls. At 121 for 3 with 15 overs to go, a score of 220-240 was the talk with a potentially destructive middle-late order champing to get involved. The 3 Kimberley slow bowlers ensured all got a chance with Meek (17), Tindsley (5), Newby (1) Bayford (4) and Strong (9) all hoping to pick out the short boundary for a cameo knock but a Keyworth collapse materialised. It was left for Ben Elliott to entertain the crowd with a full wagon wheel of shots. Two seamers were brought on to clean up Andy Hiller (to a plum LBW) and Greeny was bowled off his pads. Ben was left unbeaten on 33 of just 19 balls, his 2 pulls for 6 were nice hits but the 2 fine leg glances for four would have had Dilshan and the Sri Lankans purring.

178 all out from 42.5 overs was competitive but below par and slightly disappointing, the collapse also meant we gifted the opposition our 5 unused overs which would later prove crucial.

Tea was a bland but obviously profit making affair - we look forward to showing the Northerners what M&S food tastes like (as opposed to 'Aldi' or'Netto') when they return to the Field of Dreams later in the year! Andy Hiller and Strongy took the new cherry for Tinno (Andy naively bowling at the end of the Brisbane based official with whom he had already exchanged pleasantries after HE thought he'd middled (??) his LBW dismissal). Unfortunately we weren't able to bowl a consistent full length meaning Kimberley raced to 50 for 1 off 12 overs. The wicket coming after some good work by keeper Beake shying from 15 yards to hit middle to see off the opener. Unfortunately it wasn't Kimberley's gifted but most grumpy player (and believe me there appears to be plenty!) who raced to 54 before the introduction of Keyworth's own silth-like spinner, who dragged him forward before turning one (unbelievable as it sounds!) past the outside edge for Beaky to whip the bails off for a classical stumping. Drinks brought another wicket, although the disappointing hospitality of the Kimberley team continued as they couldn't be bothered to serve their guests (note for August!!), so KCC Club President and King of Diplomacy Barry Baker made his point by bringing the orange out himself with the one Kimberley juniors who appears to have been brought up with some manners! Rob Baker continued to dominate from one end with figures of 4 for 27 from 17 overs pulling the Millers back into contention, along with some decent and tight seam bowling from Meek and Newby at the other. Future Premier League prospect Sidhu for Kimberley looked unconvincing against Meek and Baker early on but, after the seamers returned, he occupied the crease sufficiently and grew in confidence with the luxury of additional overs to hit the winning runs in his knock of 44* in the 50th over.

Fielding Point and potential champagne moment goes to Greeny who ran towards the boundary to chase a skier in his Dunlop Green Flash. As he slipped, the ball went for four and Greeny was on his back sliding with one leg going north of the fence post and one leg south... rumour has it that two other balls turned into four during the incident, much to the amusement of his team mates. The aforementioned trainers were deposited into the changing room dustbin and Greeny's new agent has advised us that he is now unavailable due to his new job as Aled Jones backing singer!!!

A disappointing result but the day wasn't over, we had a quick drink at the ground (with the 2 home players left!) before the highlight of the evening, which was a trip to The Cricketers Rest in Kimberley, where the landlord is now our very own Stuart Meek. Knowing the clientele he was attracting, Meeky made an order to the local Indian take away for some bhaji's, naans and kebabs for nibbles which went own a treat with the local ales and Bulmer's Cider.

The youth policy perfected their darts technique whilst the senior pro's maintained their darts physique in the beer garden with the buffet. Thanks to Stuart, Mary and Leanne for their hospitality (you should give your neighbourhood crickters some tips!), Shelly for her continued patience (we are trying) and the travelling supporters. A special mention to Scooby and Beakey who both had a good day after stepping up from the Stiffs.