Firsts Edged Out In A Thriller

The Keyworth first team were away at Wollaton II's, on a sunny if a bit breezy day.

Bobby was on Rocket time, arriving last, and then lost the toss seeing the Millers put into the field. The wicket looked good but played with variable bounce that contributed to keeper Beakey's multiple sore fingers by the end of the innings.

Keyworth got off to a good start with both openers going in the first 5 overs, with Rocket Rendu (3-54 off 12) and Dave Strong (1-76 off 15) bowling well, but the speed of the outfield meant that it was either a dot or 4, leading to 5 an over coming off the first 20.

Top of Keyworth's Sanatogen-sponsored bunch of crocks this week was again Ian Graham who was suffering from a Drurs-like glass back ailment. He managed to struggle though 5 overs (0-27) before being hidden in the field for the rest of the innings.

The 3rd wicket pair (82 & 57) put on a 100+ partnership after benefiting from a couple of the usual dropped chances to take the home side to 143-3 off 3o overs.

But skipper Rob Baker (2-69 off 16) and the returning Rendu and Strong managed to restrict the boundaries so that Wollaton couldn't capitalise with their wickets in hand to post a huge total, instead they were restricted to a par 244-6.

Tea was the best away buffet seen in recent years, with the Wollaton football team (who were watching the Cup Final in the pavilion) chomping at the bit to get in on the act.

IG decided he was fit enough to bat, but decided that running between the wickets was not an option for his back, so bludgeoned his way to 50 in just 27 balls and ultimately spanked 67 in 37 balls with a supreme display of clean hitting. At the other end Ted Elliott (3) could only stand and watch before being caught. 107-2 off 20. Son Ben was next in, and was harshly triggered LBW for 12. Marc Bailey soon followed for a first ball duck, falling this time plumb LBW- Bails was chuntering that he can't start an innings facing spin... 155-4 off 30.

Jason Vickers and Steve Rendu then steadied the ship with more clean hitting and good running, with the Long Haired Buffoon notching a 40-ball 52. Jay was joined by Dale Collison with 10 overs left and 50 runs required, and they kept the score ticking over until Jay (44) was C&B by the red football boot (!) wearing spinner (who ended up with 6'for). 222-6 off 44.

With 'the finisher' Dave Strong now at the crease, the Millers looked set to chase down the runs, but with 3 overs left Emma Dale (14) was bowled and then Phil Drearden (7) followed unluckily bowled by one that rolled rather than bounced. Bobby Baker entered the crease needing a run a ball off the remaining 15 deliveries with 2 wickets remaining, but was run out for 3 after a yes-no moment with Strongy on a sharp second run. You may think Keyworth would have shut up shop for a draw at this point with 12 needed off 9 balls with a wicket in hand, but that's not the Millers way, so Strongy went for it with a big swipe and was bowled leaving the visitors just short on 233 all out.

The Millers won't be on the losing side too many times this year after posting 233, so may reflect on a good performance despite the frustrating result.