Stiffs Wilt at Stapleford

A disappointing day for the Stiffs.

A combination of weddings and holidays meant the club squad was stretched further than one of Leggy's slim fit shirts. However, our investment in a Youth and OAP policy paid dividends: we called in Ben and Isaac from the Junior side for their full debuts, while Dimps, The Adonis, and Evergreen Ern used their free bus passes for the trip to Stapleford. The home side was equally tested with swine flu meaning they could only field eight players.

Cowlard won the toss and chose to bowl on a typical council pitch, green and under prepared. AC bowled well getting rid of one opener in a spell of 1-12 in 5 overs. Leggy was tight at the other end but went wicket-less in his 5 overs.

Stapleford's skipper and man-mountain was looking to cut loose again and Cowlard had fielders placed along the A52 and out towards Bramcote Baths. Kitch though was revelling in the conditions and we were relieved to see the back of Goliath for a quick fire 41. None of the remaining batters could get to grips with the conditions and Kitch had three more clean bowleds, finishing with 4-24 off 9 overs. JB nipped in with 2-11 off 4 overs with Liam taking a fine catch on the boundary, almost disclocating his shoulder with his pumped fist celebration!

The Stapleford Eight were all out for 92. Fielding was good all round, especially from young Ben and Isaac.

Tea was well above Division K standard. The tea ladies had catered for 22 players, so Dimp was able to help himself to thirds. Leggy claimed he had twisted his knee bowling, but it was more likely from a swift turn to poach the last slice of juicy malt loaf. The retro highlight though was midget gems.

We fancied our chances getting 93 with plenty of open spaces in the field, and there was the usual talk of playing straight and occupying the crease. All of which went out of the window in true carry-on Keyworth style. Ernie was untroubled until getting a leading edge. Leggy went soon after and then it was largely a procession. Kitch top scored with 14 in a disappointing display as we ended on 70 all out. But fair play to the home side, they made up for only having eight players by bowling super straight and fielding like demons.

The only bonus was to be home in time to see the Firsts notch another famous victory.