Performance of the Season

A superb morning unfolded against the potential Nottingham League Champions, away at Wollaton. With the holiday season in full swing it was a terrific club effort for the performance of the season. Hennessy, Brown and Mills the only recognised 13's were joined by the Under 12's of Newell, Cairns, Nice and Kitching, Under 11's of Cox, Devenney and Wilson and an Under 10 in the form of Hefter.

Wollaton won the toss and elected to bat as each of the Keyworth boys put their hats in the ring for 2 overs each.

The Wollaton top order got off to a flier racking up 36 off the opening 4 overs but Mills made the break through with his first ball, to put him top of the wickets taken charts, courtesy of a smart catch from Cairns at square leg.

63 was reached at the halfway stage before the youth - youth policy firmly applied the handbrake. Kitching bowled a magnificent 2 over spell of unplayable leg break, for the first time this season consistently pitching on leg and ripping across off.

Young Ben Wilson (2-0-7-0) followed with another terrific spell before wicket number 2 arrived courtesy of some excellent fielding. The ball was fired to Kitching at mid-on. Having being accused on the sidelines of lame running a second was chanced. The ball found Newell near the stumps who flicked the ball towards the wicket, removing the bails with the number 3 a yard out.

Newell caused more carnage in his second over, the opener, racing along on 31, picked out Wilson at cover who took the catch of the day: pouching one competently over his shoulder. The final delivery found Cox who arrowed into Hennessy who removed the bails with the number 4 stranded.

Devenney was straight in the mix with spin the order of the day. The ever reliable Brown taking a excellent catch at square leg. Cairns was miserly at the other end (2-1-2-0)

The youngest duo of the day, Hefter and Cox, were entrusted with the final 4 overs, with the Wollaton bench getting frought that 100 was not yet in sight. Hennessy took a smart leg side catch off Hefter before Cox produced a superb opening over leaving Dad £10 out of pocket, apparently £5 a wicket the going rate! The first found Cairns for his second catch of the day. The second clean bowling the number 9, leaving Wollaton on 100-8.

Nice was in aggressive mood, but gloved one second ball, bringing Newell to the crease earlier than expected. With a buffet of extras being served up Newell made hay with a full repertoire of shots leaving the homeside in disarray. The ball was kept within the main striker bowlers and it was to prove decisive as Newell (26) played round a straight one. 44-2 off 8.

Devenney (0) followed in the next over, with Hennessy (2) the over after 51-4 off 10.

Brown (9) was elevated to number 5 and played some crashing drives to the boundary before missing a straight one. A batsman yet young man.

Cairns, out of touch, was partnered by Hefter, with 41 required in 8 overs. Some excellent running and some fantastic late cuts kept the score ticking over and Wollaton's title hopes in tatters. It was all too much for the managers son who let rip towards the balcony with a frustrated tirade as Leggy could only chuckle on.

16 were required off 3 as the the strike bowlers were brought back on, leaving 9 off the final over. A quality last over ensured that Wollaton were the victors, as Cairns (20*) and Hefter (5*) finished with a 33 run unbeaten partnership. 93-5

A fantastic performance that all involved with should be very proud.