Rusty but Not Out - yet

A return to action after what seemed like an eternity, for the 13s. 2 wins in 4 days, followed by 3 postponed matches.

Radcliffe were the opponents, at the Field of Dreams, for the first time this year. It was Newark Cup action with the winning team guaranteed to progress into the Quarters, but 4 bonus points enough to see the losing team also through.

Normington won the toss and took the new ball as Playle and Sidebottom opened. 2 off the first 2 represented a good start with Steiner a maiden up the hill. The Radcliffe openers then signalled their intent, and dispatched the ball to all corners before Coulthard stemmed the flow taking an excellent catch at deep mid on, off Brown. 25-1 off 5.

Steiner finished creditably, 3-1-9-0, as Playle kept on the acclerator. With 53 on the board at the half way stage and only 1 wicket down, it was looking like a long evening ahead. Then two high points: an excellent run out by Steiner and perhaps more importantly the arrival of Mrs Cairns, which could only mean one thing - Tuck shop open for business!

Boys. What motivates you?

Either of the two (I'm favouring the latter!) seemed to lift the spirits, as Mills and Healey began to exert some pressure. A final boundary saw Playle, 37*, retire after an excellent knock, before Healey removed the off stump off the number 4. Vice Captain Mills was the pick of the bowling (3-0-12-1) his wicket providing KCC with the first bonus point, for 4 wickets down.

Tudor was then entrusted with the last over, an excellent clean bowled, meant one more wicket for an extra bonus point,with two balls to go, but it was not to be. 92-5 off 18 - A good comeback with only 14 conceded off the last 4 overs.

An achievable target, but bonus points at stake for 25, 50, 75 runs. Radcliffe immediately stamped their authority, the second over accounting for Healey, caught at square leg. Normington followed 2 balls later, missing a straight one. 3-2 off 2. Neece and Tudor slowly rebuilt the innings, reaching 24 before Neece was bowled. Tudor followed the next over, for 10, and was followed back to the hutch by new man Coulthard. 30-5 off 10.

The whippet, Hennessy, was at his scampering best, as he was ably partnered by first Shepherd then Steiner - as 50 was amassed - with superb running between the wickets, to the enjoyment of the crowd. Hennessy finally departed for an excellent 14, as Stolworthy took up the mantle, crashing the ball about the square for his best innings to date.

With the winning post out of reach, attention turned to 75 runs which would definitely secure passage into the quarters. 18 off 18, became 12 off 12, but a double wicket penultimate over put an end to the run chase. 66 all out.

A rusty performance unhelped by the fixture computer, but huge improvement on last year - with half as many runs scored and excellent rear guard action.

With 3 teams, including Keyworth, on 19 points - and only one to progress - it is up to the powers that be to decide the fate. Watch this space!