Seconds Creche At Thrumpton

Leggy reports from the windy city of Thrumpton.........

The Seconds travelled to the scene of one of our more cherished recent memories. They still talk fondly in these parts of Pete Hardy’s backward somersault into the adjoining field. Fortunately this year the gale force wind meant you were more likely to hit THE WALL of the pavilion.

Captain Ted (with 10 working toes, but not for long) was promoted to the Firsts leaving babysitting duties to AC. It looked a good toss to lose when we had the opposition 14-2 with Ben Healey bowling the opener in his first over, followed by Cowlard also snagging one. But the strong sideways wind was proving difficult to bowl in, especially for the youth policy. The remaining opener, Kamran Rashid, and various middle order chums picked off the numerous bad balls and made particular use of the very short pavilion side boundary.

The bowlers, led by AC’s in-swingers (3-38) and The Boss’s mixture of military medium and off-breaks stuck gamely to their task. On his way to 92, Rashid, rode his luck with two drops courtesy of See-Soar and Dunc before losing his middle stump to Sam Nice, who finished with 3 wickets.

The home side closed with 190-9 off their 40 overs and we gained some valuable bowling experience for the youth quartet of Sam, Ben, Billy Harrison and Josh Stolworthy.

The tea was one of the better efforts found on our travels, with a dish of buttered new potatoes an unusual sighting.

Our shortness of batting, no pun intended Ernie, plus the wind dropping several notches of ‘The Beaufort Scale’ made us very reliant on our four recognised batsmen. Ernie and Dunc (not one of the aforementioned) got us off to a brisk start before Ernie played one of his more forgettable hoicks.

Dunc and his middle-less firewood candidate soon followed leaving a lot on the shoulders of Phil Dearden and AC. They saw off the opening pair and began to milk a few boundaries off the change bowlers, including a six for Phil amongst his top score of 36. They got us within sight of the hundred mark when the skipper skied a leading edge which was well held by the Thrumpton youth policy. This lead to a steady procession as their main man, Rashad, went through our tail like a dose of salts, finishing with 6-17.

Though a final score of 95 all out was disappointing there was at least some vital experience gained for our younger players.

2010 Junior Awards

The 2010 KCC Junior Awards finally took place on the 16th of May 2011... but was well worth the wait as Mick Newell, the Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket (and second best coach in the family, not my words!) presented the trophies.

Under 12s Batsman of the Year
Joe Nice

Under 12s Fielder of the Year

Tom Blacklock

Under 12s Most Improved Player of the Year

Toby Kitching

Under 13s Batsman of the Year

Tom Newell

Under 13s Bowler of the Year

Ben Healey

Under 13s Fielder of the Year

Dominc Steiner

Barry Baker Junior Player of the Year 2010

Joe Nice

Under 13 Newark League Representatives

Tom Newell, (Mick Newell) Joe Nice, Isaac Brown, Ben Healey

Under 13 Newark League Champions 2010

Back row (l-r) (Mick Newell) Harry Stolworthy, Mackenzie Shepherd, Ben Healey, Greg Mills (vc), Dominic Steiner.

Front low (l-r) Tom Newell, Isaac Brown, Joe Nice, Jack Cairns, Peter Hennessy (wk)

Missing - Harry Normington (c), Zachary Tudor, Tom Rock, Josh Coulthard

Under 13s Batsman of the year: Harry Normington

Under 12s Bowler of the Year: Tom Rock

Great Response

The 13s were looking to make it 5 out of 5 on the road to Bottesford.

Shepherd (2-0-3-0) bowled economically but needed to be fuller and straighter to trouble the batsman. With Bottesford 7 without loss off 3 it looked as though the squeeze would be applied but...

Again, another thorough pre match warm up appeared to go in one ear and out the other. Balls were waved to the boundary and disappeared through legs and non existant long barriers which was doing nothing for Tuckwell and Legge's blood pressure.

The Bottesford top order began to make hay - crashing a mammonth 42 runs in 5 woeful overs.

Nice was brought into the fray to lead by example and soon created surely some history (Barry you'll have to confirm) BACK TO BACK HATRICKS - his first delivery whistled past the batsman and caught the faintest of inside edges that, you guessed it, Blacklock duly pouched.

Bottesford 61-2 off 10

Newell and Wilson were unable to make a break through as the home side were handily placed with 5 overs to go.

Finally, some inspired fielding and straight bowling halted the carnage. 2 super run outs, thanks to great hands from Blacklock, were followed up with 2 wickets from Cairns (2-0-7-2) Malik bowled a magnificent penultimate over leaving Bottesford on 92-6.

Flewitt delivered another all action over. First Kitching hit the stumps direct before Malik and Shepherd were both at full stretch to roll the tail over.

Bottesford 93-9 off 18

Newell, Tuckwell and Legge all vented some mild disappointed after the fielding display but praised the tail end of the innings and instilled some batting belief.

Nice and Chamberlain set off like rockets amassing 60 in a chanceless opening 9 overs. Nice, on 33, was set to retire with one more boundary. This looked on with a full blooded straight drive. Unfortunately for Joe (and the bowler) the ball clattered into the bowler at warp factor 9 - somehow sticking between knees and midriff and leaving the bowler with a wicket but in a crumpled tear stained heap on the floor.

Chamberlain followed the next over for an excellent 21. Newell (13*) and Shepherd (11*) closed the match out in the 13th over for maximum points.

Keyworth 94-2 off 12.3

U12s Secure Maiden Victory.

The U12s played their first league game of the season - an 8 aside pairs game against Ellerslie at the Field of Dreams.

A straight forward concept. Each team starts on 200 runs. Each pair bats for 4 overs. 6 ball overs with +2 runs for no balls and wides. -6 runs for each dismissal. The art - valuing your wickets bowling straight.

Keyworth batted first and Blacklock and Burns put on 20 without loss to set the platform. Chamberlain and Wilson added another 20 but each saw their stumps rearranged, swinging across the line. 40 - 2 off 8

Walker played a perfect innings, whilst only 2 were scored off the bat 10 extras were accumulated resuting in the highest score of the night. Baines crashed an excellent boundary but missed a straight one the next delivery.

Cox and Phoenix closed the innings - adding a further 15 runs for the loss of 2 wickets.

Keyworth: 279-5 (-30) therefore setting a total of 250 for victory.

The Ellerslie openers made steady progress before Baines nipped one back in the 4th over. 214-1.

Chamberlain and Cox both made a break through in their second overs. Walker proving alert to instigate an excellent run out off the bowling of Chamberlain. Cox then bowling full and straight. 229-3 off 8

Walker (2-1-9-2) then justified his man of the match performance with a clean bowled and setting up a smart catch for Baines as he finished with a wicket maiden. Wilson was not to be outdone claiming a clean bowled himself. 244-6 off 12

Burns and Blacklock took the contest out of reach of the visitors with a wicket a piece to leave Ellerslie on 264-8 (-48) a nett total of 216.

Keyworth won by 33 runs.

Snap Happy

Saturday saw the official KCC photo call to recognise the support of our sponsors.

Many thanks to The Adonis for taking the snaps.

Postman Delivers

Another top team effort saw the Firsts convincingly beat West Bridgfordians to stay top of the League.

After a butter-fingered start to the season, many cynics reckoned we couldn't catch a cold, but Kitcho proved the doubters wrong, turning up with a dose of man flu. XX Dale was a late absentee, but our investment in youth again paid dividends with young pup Boom Boom stepping up.

Tinno lost the toss and was surprised to have the chance to bowl first on a bowler friendly surface at the Field of Dreams. Strongy pleaded with Tinno to bowl down the hill: "I guarantee I'll get you three wickets", was a bullish shout, especially when Day Hiller splilled an early chance with tea making marge still on his hands. Still, after 10 overs the away side were under the cosh at 17-2 with Drurs and Beakey showing safer hands. WB's no.4 came in and smashed a rapid 33 off 22 balls, until strangled down the leg side by Strongy, was as good as his word, proving harder to part with the ball than Barcelona, finishing with 4-39 off his 10 overs.

Bobby kept up the pressure with some tight flight. Tinno tried in vain to push the field back, but got short shrift, a quick conversation between captain and vice ended with captain agreeing that vice was right; "I haven't bowled for 20 years to have my field set for me", growled the Big Bear, on the way to 4-32. Strongy took a fine catch in the deep, but was pipped to the fielding award by Tuckers who pouched a steepling slog on the boundary at long on, somehow landing inside the rope. Day Hiller supported well with 1-28, and brother Andy threw in a rocket for a run out off the last ball of the innings to see us to maximum bowling points, WB's all out for 151.

Not for the first time, The Hiller Sisters copied Tinno's lead, producing an almost identical tea. The opposition were full of compliments for the tea ladies, tucking in with relish to the impressive chicken tikka on french bread, while cherry Bakewells caught the Chairman's retro eye. Less successful was the fresh pasta surprise, quickly uncovered as a student's store cupboard favourite.

In contrast, the Youth Policy's watching mates had a gourmet feast; dressed crab, quails' eggs and Moroccan couscous being washed down by champagne and chianti.

In reply, Tinno's plan was to simply keep wickets in hand, though he took this to the extreme, still stuck on 1 after facing 35 balls, all but blunting the tip of super scorer Shelley's coloured pen. The Skip was struggling with the slow pitch, playing far too early on two short balls that crashed into his bread basket. Fortunately Ted didn't need any extra padding against the quickies, and was tucking into anything short with the same gusto as the tea time sausage rolls, making a fine 37 in an opening stand of 75.

Against the change bowling the Postman delivered some knock out blows needing only 50 more balls to reach 61 before top edging to the keeper. Jay (27*) and Drurs (15*) saw us home comfortably without further loss to claim the maximum 20 points.

Plumtree Felled

2 wins at the Field of Dreams over the previous 2 nights were put into the shade, as the 14s served up a sparkling performance to dump fierce neighbours and rivals Plumtree out of the cup.


Having come within 5 balls of a maiden victory last year this years' triumph was achieved in style - bouncing back after last weeks' horror show against Wollaton.

Normington won the toss and inserted the oppostion on a slow wicket. Healey (4-0-12-3) and Brown (4-1-17-1) were superb immediatlely putting the squeeze on the plums. A wicket maiden in Brown's penultimate over created the break through - Hennessy holding the faintest of edges behind the stumps.

Healey was unlucky to only have 1 wicket to his name with his final over approaching. He narrowly missed a trio of caught and bowled chances that landed agonisingly away from the finger tips. However, joy and reward were round the corner as Hennessy claimed his second catch then ex-plum Machin raced round from mid-on to snaffle one at his ankles. The over was not finished as Brown was lobbed by a unfortunate the bobble. The Plums duo unwisely chanced a second, Brown recovered and Hennessy did the rest.

Plums: 21-5 off 8

Tudor (4-1-12-1) turned the screw further. Healey taking a regulation catch to send Palmer Jnr back into the hutch. While Steiner opened with a wicket maiden and maiden to finish with 3-2-4-2.

Vice Captain Mills required 4 balls to mop of the tail, clean bowling 10 and 11.

Plumtree: 49 all out off 15.4 - Tremendous.

A low but potentially difficult run chase was made tougher as Palmer sent Normington back to the pavillion in the 1st over. A battle of attrition followed as great line and length contained Newell and Machin, forcing the latter to hole out at midwcket in the 6th over. Newell (4) followed in the 10th over after stubborn resistance.

Keyworth: 22-3 off 10.

Tuckwell was beginning to get twitchy but needn't have worried as Healey punished the bad delivery to the boundary ably supported by Brown. Within a run of retiring, Healey (29) was bowled, but the finishing line was in sight after the match winning knock. Stolly had the honour of crashing the winning runs over the boundary to see us home in the 13th over.




Jubilation all round and thoroughly deserved. Brilliant.

Next round, a quarter final against West Bridgfordians

Mac and Jack to the Rescue

The 13s hosted Bingham in the league, having already desposed of them in the cup. The selectors were without captain Nice, who was in a cup final of his own as the football season keeps trundling on.

Chamberlain and Blacklock opened up but Chamberlain was back after the very first delivery presenting a straight forward cauhgt and bowled. It's happened to the best Miles, head up. Blacklock followed in the 2nd over playing across a straight one. The pitch was proving toublesome and Newell never looked comfortable cutting to point for 8.

The KCC innings looked on the ropes at 22-3 off 6 but cometh the hour cometh Cairns and Shepherd. The pair played out a superb 70 run partnership in 11 overs. Shepherd crashing some majestic cover drives and Cairns strong off his legs.

Both departed in the penultimate over, looking to push the score beyond the 100 mark. Both recorded a season high, Shepherd for 28 and Cairns for 24.

Luke Brown (5*) and Ollie Burns (1*) saw the innings conclude on 99 - 5 off 18.

The Bingham response never had chance to ignite with an impressive bowling and fielding display. Kitching took a tremendous catch off Shepherd to remove the big hitting opener of fthe 3rd ball. Chamberlain struck twice in his opening over - on both occasions rearranging the stumps.

Bingham: 12 - 3 off 4

Flewitt added to last week's wicket tally as did Kitching and Burns. Baines was miserly off his 2 overs only conceding 4 runs and was superb in the field. A smart piece of fielding to Blacklock saw the number 6 run out.

With the Bingham tail only batting to 10, due to an injury, Luke Brown finished up matters. Firstly, Newell taking a tidy catch then Blacklock improving his already blossoming credentials with his 5th stumping of the season.

Bingham: 49 all out in 13

4 out of 4 and top of the league.

Not at the Races

Wollaton breezed in and out of Keyworth with a thumping victory as the 14s failed to show up.

With all of the established teams having a trio of stars all regularly retiring in super quick time -The message was of containment. Unfortunaltely this was in one ear and out the other as a series of leg stump full tosses were launched over the boundary ropes.

Brown (4-0-14-1) was the only bowler to finish with respectable figures as first the opener then number 3 raced to 53* and 50* in the blink of an eye. Averaging 6 an over for the first 10, the Wollaton top order were brutal in the second half of the innings, as the final 10 overs went for 86 runs.

Wollaton: 146 - 2 off 20

The reply never got going as a steady procession of wickets fell at more than regular intervals. Machin was desperatelt unlucky to get a first baller having played the ball in to the ground before it was taken at slip.

Newell (11*) was unflappable offering a fine defence and despatching the 4 ball but was to find himself shy of partners. Brown raised the spirits briefly with superb footwork to hit a majestic innings high 13, coming in at 9. Not a tail ender any more young man!

A disappointing and early night, as we were skittled for just 54 runs in the 14th over.

A massive response required for the Plums next week.

Kinoulton Stumped

The 13s turned on the style, eventually, away at Kinoulton. Each over was surpassed by more drama and excitement than the last.

The home side bats first in the Newark League so the KCC XI sprung onto the pitch after a thorough and extensive warm up routine from Newell and Legge. Somewhere from springing over the boundary marker to reaching the square the promise of electrifying fielding and unplayable bowling had evaporated with a series of of megs, toe danglings, byes and short deliveries.

Kinoulton: 40-1 off 7 with Newell shaking his head at square leg. One shining light amongst the opening carnage was Chamberlain (2-1-2-0) who bowled exceptionally.

Cairns (2-1-1-0) stemmed the flow at one end as Luke Brown (2-1-7-2) reaped the rewards at the other end - bowling the opener, and thankful to Kitching's safe pair of hands for his second. Newell (2-0-3-0) and Burns (2-0-5-0) then upped the ante again as the run rate slowed to snails pace.

Kinoulton: 55-3 off 14

With Kinoulton potentially set for a final four over onslaught, Flewitt turned in a headline making 2 over spell with his 1st, 2nd and 3rd wickets in KCC colours finishing with figures of 2-0-4-3 - a clean bowled and Cairns and Shepherd safe under the others.

Flewitt's headlines would have to wait as Nice and Blacklock raised the standard into stratospheric proportions. Nice claimed a wicket on his first ball after a smart stumping from Blacklock. Tuckwell was unaware of the significance until Neecey Snr was spotted bouncing up and down his van - HAT TRICK - this after Neecy Jnr had polished off the Burton Joyce innings with his final 2 deliveries the week previous.

There was still more to follow as Nice and Blacklock combined a further 3 times in the final over of the innings all in the same manner - Bowled Nice - stumped Blacklock, leaving Blacklock with 4 stumpings and Nice with tremendous figures of 2-1-4-4 including his hat trick. 2 wickets in his final 2 deliveries leaving him on another potential hat trick - Quality!

Kinoulton: 64 all out.

In reply Nice set off like a train, seeing it like a football, but didn't fully commit to a leg side swipe and was caught in the covers for 13. Chamberlain (7) followed closely, not before an exquisite lofted straight drive. Newell was playing a trademark innings as Shepherd came an went. Cairns joined Newell at the crease with 20 required. Masterful calling and chanceless running saw the finishing line crossed with 7 overs to spare.

Keyworth: 66 - 3 off 10.5

Bring On The Wall

The Stiffs hosted Caunton at the F of D. First the minor details: we lost. Caunton ran up over 200 despite good bowling once again from youngsters Ben Healey and Sam Nice. In reply we lost wickets too regularly to be in the hunt, and despite a good 20 odd from Liam, we fell well short.

Of more importance, Cowlard and Drurs were devastated to miss Alesandra's leggendaria festa italiana, with barbabietole e sorpresa arancione and pasta al tonno the expected highlights.

Of even more importance were the weekly antics of the clown prince of Keyworth Cricket.

Our hero had bowled 11 tight overs down the hill for just 16 runs, picking up a valuable wicket. Then, pulling up a little gingerly, Leggy's face suddenly turned a violent shade off of pink; "that's it, I can't go on Ted, I've hit the wall", shreiked The Boss, and with that staggered off to the deep with legs made of jelly.

Eleven Man Team

The Firsts silenced the critics who had dubbed us a one man team, with a great all round win on the road at Long Whatton.

In team news, we were missing one-man-team Iggy, captain Tinno, and the Long Haired Buffoon, but stand-in skipper Bobby was able to call on Second team stalwarts Drurs, Cowlard and Kitch, to add experience if not athleticism.

KCC's pin up boy Tommy Randall was desperate to get his pretty-boy face on the official squad photo, so much so that he turned up a week early at the F of D, to find only Leggy for company, buttering bread for the Stiff's banchetto Italiano.

Meanwhile Jay was doing his utmost to avoid opening, reportly going via the Aslockton, rather than the Long, version of Whatton, wheel-spinning in as the bell was rung to start play.

The home side limbered up with all mannner of core skill drills. Meanwhile Strongy and Benji casually played keepy-uppy which was to come back to haunt later.

Bobby lost the toss and we were inserted with Drurs pushed in to open with XX Dale. This was a sporting wicket all day, doing plenty off the seam, with the odd shooter, and you never felt in.

We got off to a rattling start, riding a bit of luck, to get to 40, before Dale got a beauty to be caught behind off a thin inside edge for 14. Benji also got a jaffa that clipped the top of off for 5.

Jay came in out of form, and continued in that vein, scratching around for 40 balls for 10, making Shelley's book look like it was completed in braille. Patience paid off though as he cruised through the gears with some silky straight drives scoring 50off the next 30 balls on the way to a fine 60. His partnership of 130 with The Chairman was the backbone of our innings. Drurs went from zero last week, to hero this, with a patient 87, including 14 4's and a 6, before playing on in sight of three figures.

Some good slogging and unselfish batting took us to 211-8 at tea, Kitch smashing a huge six over mid wicket, off the inside edge!

Bashful Bobby had avoided a photo opportunity for his Wisden 'Cricketer of the Month' award for six months, mainly due to Wisden taking all of those six months to deliver his new bat, but was finally snapped by the Chairman's camera to celebrate his record breaking performance at Bottesford last season.

The usual majestic Long Whatton tea was a tad below previous efforts, but was still fine fayre, potato salad a highlight for those at the front of the queue, Grandma's recipe marmalade cake the treat for those bringing up the rear. Strongy jumped to the top of Super-scorer Shelley's favourite's list by clearing up the plates, hoovering up sausage rolls on the way.

In reply, Captain Baker had a Dad's Army attack at his disposal. Cowlard, Strongy and Mervyn trundled in with no luck, not helped by Benji and Strongy himself dropping clangers, regretting warming up with their feet rather than hands before the game, earning this week's detention from Mr. Tuckwell.

At 50 without loss we needed a wicket, and Bobby seized the initiative with a beautifully tossed up clean bowled. The home side reached 120-2 off 30 overs, and the game was in the balance. Our bowling though was tight, and ground fielding solid, as we strangled the scoring, with the required rate rising to 6, 7, 8 then 9.

Kitch bowled through tightly for 1-48, AC came back well to claim 2-55, Strongy finished well with 3-25, but the skipper was the pick with a finely flighted 3-39. Ben Thompson once again took the fielding point with safe hands under a skyer.

With storm clouds gathering, and an unlikely 40 needed off 4 overs, Strongy had the umpire reaching for the light meter with a throat high beamer. But we were well ahead on the Tuckwell-Lewis method and this merely delayed the inevitable, as we restricted the home side to 175-9. A great all round team effort that earned us 19 points.

Sight For Soar Eyes

The Stiffs had a great win on the road last Saturday. Guest blogger Mr Dearden reports.........

Keyworth took to the field in Arnold against Basford, as is the habit of this league, having already been at Nuthall to play Kimberley. No doubt our match against HG Carrington Caribs will be moved to Tobago!

Anyway buoyed by their comfortable heroics the week before this was week 3 in the club search for Drurs' “Apprentice"; Dearden and Beake having already staked an early claim for the run-machine’s spot, and Cowlard having already been fired into the 1st team.

Having decided to bowl on a strip which was the same colour as the outfield, runs looked like they could be as precious as diamonds in a north Notts mine, with overcast clouds requiring full winter wear for the fielders. A slow start, consisting of erratic deliveries from Liam and, well, Leggy at the other end, meant Basford got off to a decent start, a couple of drops in the field not helping the cause.

The breakthrough came after a short time out was called by Ted, sensing that Beakey needed a fag break and Leggy a Bowel Break (as opposed to an off break). The skipper brought himself on and turned in an inspired spell of bowling. Rolling back the years he bowled five consecutive maidens, including a double wicket maiden in the fourth over. We made regular in-roads into their line up and with some excellent backup bowling from Sam Nice, who bowled some beautiful deliveries, and Ben Healey, who also proved a problem for the Basford line-up, Keyworth restricted the opposition to 157/8. Leggy picked up a couple, but Ted proved the spin master with 12-5-39-3. Fielding highlight was a fine catch from Joe Nice, watched by his dad, sitting in his van listening to the cup final.

Tea was average, not helped by the fact you could see the Greggs in Arnold town centre whilst fielding at deep backward square leg, but snowballs were retro highlights, not that the kids could understand Ted’s glee when spotting them nestled in between an array of jam tarts.

Keyworth’s reply was not dissimilar to the pitch. Highs and lows, one past the glove, or head in Ernie’s case, closely followed by one along the ground, which unfortunately for Ernie hit his leg, which was unfortunately in his crease, which was unfortunately in front of the stumps, which unfortunately meant he was out.

Beakey, came in, played some great shots, but then was accounted for by the same method of madness. Phil came out, was told by Ted to watch the low bounce, then was promptly dropped at slip by a riser off his glove. Ted looked in good nick and then top edged one.

A mix match of bad shots, meant Keyworth struggled to 49-5, with five senior players back in the hutch and only Paul Lay left as a recognisable batsman. We had Leggy of course, but then he only scored 30 runs all last season in the 2nd XI, so there was not much obvious hope there. However, cometh the hour, cometh the man. Leggy matched all his innings from last year in one fell swoop, hitting an entertaining 29, as together with Paul they put on 66 for the 6th wicket. Paul looked in great form, putting Forest’s playoff troubles to one side, he played some great shots.

When Leggy was out at 115/6 the final total still looked a long way off, as See-Soar strode out to the crease. However, after a 20 minute coaching session with Ted (whilst Leggy was still batting – we didn’t make them wait), Chris played a mature and sensible innings, providing an able back-up to Paul’s match winning knock of 46, which included a fine 6 of the last ball to give the Stiffs maximum batting points.

Soar finished 28*, his highest score for Keyworth, and a very positive sign for the future. Indeed the performance of all the juniors was a huge positive and a massive step forward for the guys involved. Keyworth finished 163/6 off 40 overs, with time and young confident batsmen to spare!

No one was fired by Drurs this week, but the search for his apprentice is hotting up...

Top Heavy Leggy

Legge's Sunday Eleven won away at Ellerslie giving our Youth Policy more valuable match experience. We made 120 odd, mainly thanks to 50 from Beakey. The innings ended in the last over predictably with Leggy triggered first ball.

Tea was once again one of the best. Prawn mayonnaise cobs were a joy, fruit loaf a close second, though the Youth Policy were more interested in the jelly beans and marshmallows, sending them out early for hyper-active practice while the old heads settled in for a second cuppa.

Our bowling was splendid with youngsters Josh Stolworthy and Ben Healey bowling great spells. Fielding was the usual comical excellence. See-Soar tried in vain to claim an assist after dropping a fierce drive only for Beakey to strike a run out with a direct hit.

Even more predictably The Boss was at his princely best. A leading edge saw our hero scuttle from slip to pouch the catch, only for his high centre of gravity to take over and topple into a heap of flailing arms and legs, giving plenty of case study material for the juniors studing Newton's laws of physics. Leggy blamed his three course roast pork evening meal for his top heavy over-balancing, and a bad ankle from tripping down the stairs - not bad for one who lives in a bungalow!!

Harry Stolworthy wrapped things up with a great four wicket burst to bowl the home side out for 80.

£35,000 Up For Grabs

Cash For Your Community – We need your help!

The Nottingham Post & Nottingham Building Society has chosen KCC as one of 300 groups to have the fantastic opportunity to receive a share of £35000.

We need to collect vouchers appearing in the Post from May 25 to June 17. The more coupons we collect, the more money we stand to receive, all of which will strengthen our Junior Section with new equipment and coaching courses.

We would like your help to collect tokens. We will have collection boxes throughout the village at Petal & Pearls, Bob Green’s, Salutation Inn, Keyworth Leisure Centre, Crossdale, Willowbrook and Nottingham Road Primary schools, along with South Wolds.

Please drop your collected tokens in to these points or bring them up to the cricket pavilion on any Saturday afternoon. Thank you!

For more details, see Cliff

Keyworth Six Points

A poor show at the business end of both innings' saw us slump to defeat against Thrumpton, despite a wonderful all round effort from IG.

The Field of Dreams had the feel of a Lowry landscape with grey clouds and biting winds all afternoon. Tinno won the toss and bowled first, mainly to save fielding in sub zero temps after tea. Super scorer Shelley was delighted with our new gazebo, triple sided, and better insulated than a 10 tog duvet.

Tinno was missing regulars Rocket, Bobby and XX Dale, but the investment in our youth policy paid dividends with arthritic 40-somethings Graham, Cowlard and Drury, adding experience if not mobility to the side.

AC and Strongy bowled tight opening spells. On the plus side, Tom took a fine diving catch, and Ben Thompson had a great debut in the field to take the day's fielding award, first quick out of the blocks to create a run out, and then taking a fine swirling catch.

On the other hand, Mr Tuckwell was dishing out 100 lines and detentions for the usual petulance and butter fingered fumbles. Cowlard bowled a head high beamer from which Day Hiller took a sharp diving catch. AC was unhappy at the late no-ball call and half-volleyed the ball over the boundary, lucky to escape with just a glare from Dimps, rather than four overthrows! Day was another to go into the notebook, somehow managing to get three F's into one foul mouthed outburst, for a wide that pitched almost off the square!

Tom was having trouble dealing with Iggy's spitting spinners, and finally lost patience, yelling "for Christ's sake", at the very moment that the Vicar of Keyworth emerged from behind the sightscreen! Tinno was another on the way to Sunday confessional, clearly still with tea time marge on his hands, spilling chances no 4 and 5 of a clumsy early season. Meanwhile, Jay was more agile than Lee Camp tipping an exocet over the boundary for six.

Even so, we had the visitors firmly in check for most of the innings, well on top at 134-5 off 39 overs. Sadly the last six overs went for 73 mainly due to some excellent batting. Still, 209-6 at tea felt a score well within our reach. AC took 2-60, Strongy 2-44, but Iggy was the pick with 1 for just 21 off 12 overs.

Tea was 100% by Tinno and was a fine effort, if lacking a little creative flair. The chicken fajita on french sticks, and fresh pasta with basil infusion were highlights, alongside the more run-of-the-mill Wm Morrisons basics.

Our reply was dominated by another inspired innings from IG. 117 from 95 balls including 7 sixes was a joy to watch, and deserved better.

Sadly the rest of our batters resembled the scorecard of a Eurovision voting jury. Tinno scooped 12 points, but our middle order made less impact than Jedward and the boys from Bluu, mustering just a further 12 between them (Jay 3, Drurs 0, Ben 5, Tom 4). Strongy nipped in with 8 before holing out in the deep. With the rate rising, Bomber was finally out, leaving AC and the tail to limp to 188-9 to at least claim maximum batting points.

Tea Time

Today sees the official launch of the this year's must have tea break accessory. The KCC Mug comes in a range of one colour and is priced at just £5.

Firsts Remain Unbeaten

Heavy rain north of the River saw our trip to Nuthall postponed.

Beakey Blasts Borough

A welcome first win for the Stiffs at home to Attenborough. A bone dry pitch emerged from under the covers after swift work by Cowlard and son with morning rain circling the Field of Dreams.

We bowled first and restricted Attenborough to 147-8 off a reduced 36 overs.

This was an innings of two edges. Cowlard and Beakey were convinced of an edge behind. Your reporter heard nothing from beyond the boundary, but more importantly umpire Dimps was unmoved. Beakey lost half his match fee by rolling the ball back at Dimps in frustration, and was fit to explode when the batsman apologised for not walking.

Several overs later it was the same combination as Butch dived to take a smart catch from a ball that seemed to be a bump ball. However the batsman walked and honours were even.

Around this storm in a tea cup our fielding was excellent. Sam Nice took a smart catch and then threw in for a run out to take the day's fielding point. Chris See-Soar and Young Macca were also sharp in the field.

Leggy was a little out of sorts having missed his eight hours of beauty sleep, after a 2 am arrival home. The Boss had about 30 yards variation in length, and was in danger of being locked in Ted's new coffin, but had the last laugh taking a wicket off the final ball to get us a third bowling point. Liam was the pick of the bowlers taking 3-31.


Tea by Ted was a plentiful affair, enough to satisfy even the hungry First Teamers. Apricot jam tarts were your reporter's retro favourite.

In reply Ted and Ernie made over a 100, years that is. Ern as usual hit the ball to places where a field couldn't be set on the way to 25. Boom Boom looked set to bat through until a rush of blood saw him chip to mid on for 37.

Beakey played the innings of the day making exactly 50. It was hard to choose between a glorious extra cover drive and a deft guide through third man as the shot of the day. In any case Cowlard took that award with a straight six into the compound. Kitch chipped a quick 10, and Leggy defended one end, to allow AC (21 n/o) to seal the win with a trademark mow to mid wicket.

A comfortable six wicket win and 19 points in the bag.

Points on the Board

Ellerslie were the visitors as the 14s looked to bounce back from the previous nights defeat.

Normington, with plenty of confidence, won the toss and elected to bat. Some fantastic running and fine calling saw Keyworth race on to 25 after 4 overs.

A quick single too far accounted for Nomington (6) as he picked out the wrong fielder - whose accurate throw removed the bails with the skipper a yard out.

Under 12s starlet, Chamberlain, then sacrificed himself as a mix up in communication led to another run out. The pair just crossing to keep Healey at the crease. A brave decision Miles - very courageous.

Keyworth: 27 for 2 off 5.

Machin continued where he'd left off the night previous. The wagon wheel showing magnificent strength on the off side. Excellent running with Healey saw the pair amass an excellent 71 run partnership before Machin (34) fell in the penultimate over. An excellent knock in 11 overs - just what was required.

Stolworthy came to the crease amid huge cheers and defended the first ball to perfection. The last ball of the innings also brought great cheers, for different reasons. A swing and a miss saw Stolly set off down the track. However, the ball was firmly in the keepers mitts and the bails duly removed. Healey finished on 39 not out - carrying his bat. A super well crafted innings, well done Ben.

103-4 off 18

Legge and Tuckwell got out the WD40 to help the fielding and it was to prove just the tonic.

Steiner and Brown opened up tidily aid by some good work in the field. Steiner (3-0-9-1) opened his account with swinging one back into to the opener, in his final over.

Ellerslie: 23-1 off 5

Spin kings, Mills and Tudor, then turned the game on it's head. Hennessy taking the first of 3 terrific catches behind the stumps off Mills' first over.

Tudor (3-1-2-4) then proceeded to rip through the middle order with 4 wickets in 7 deliveries. The hat trick ball in his final agonisingly missing off stump. 2 clean bowled, a neat take behind the stumps and a stinger at Mid on from captain Normington.

Mills followed up with another leg break that pitched and turned to remove middle and leg.

34 for 7 off 12

Shepherd (2-0-12-1) and Stolworthy (1.3-0-3-2) polished off the tail. The latter finishing with 2 wickets in his final 3 balls - a clean bowled and another terrific take from Hennessy.

Ellerslie: 49 all out - 15.3

A super team performance.

Below is the Nottingham Youth League website. All results and statistics are entered. Keep up to date with how our boys are fairing.

http://nycl.play-cricket.com/home/home.asp

Tough Opener for the 14s

The Under 14s began their fixtures this week in the very tough Nottingham Youth League.

Wednesday night saw a trip across town to Notts and Arnold.

Keyworth won the toss and elected to bat. Captain Normington led by example crashing a fine 37, one maximum in his 7 boundaries. Tudor (8) and Healey (8) both contributed before falling to smart catches.

It was debutant Machin, a fantastic closed season acquisition from Plumtree, who showed plenty of resolve and flair for a fine 22 not out. Stolworthy came and went quickly searching for quick runs as Newell (3*) saw the innings home.

Keyworth 96 for 4 off 20.

In response the bowlers were put to the sword by the powerful opening trio, all with County experience. Brown did make the break through in the 7th over, removing the opener for 40. However the same treatment continued as Notts and Arnold reached their total in the 13th over for the loss of 1 wicket.

There was an agreed feeling of rustiness in the field but chance to put that right on Thursday at home to Ellerslie.

100% for the 13s

Burton Joyce were the visitors as the Under 13s got their Newark League campaign underway.

The hosts always bat first so Nice and Chamberlain took to the middle but both returned back to the hutch before the end of the 4th over - the ball keeping low and the stumps clattered.

Shepherd (11) raised the run rate with 2 beautiful boundaries before dragging a wide one onto his stumps. Cairns (4) followed in the same over, caught in the covers, after a well timed 4.

30-4 off 6

The ever reliable Newell and whippet, Burns, were set the task of rebuilding and duly tucked into some wayward change bowling. The scoreboard was always ticking with singles, extras and a mixture of boundaries as Newell (35*) retired in the 15th over after a 66 run stand.

Blacklock accompanied Burns as the score passed 100 with some fine off side strokes. Burns finishing with a career best 24* and Blacklock 7*.

Keyworth 111-4 off 18

Shepherd and Rock applied the pressure as the opening 4 overs only went for 12 runs but more importantly 3 wickets fell. Rock, clean bowling the opener before Shepherd followed up with a double - a tidy caught and bowled and one that rearranged the stumps.

The fielding remained excellent with Nice, Rock and L. Brown all taking one for the team and going home with a Gunn and Moore inprint on various parts of the anatomy!

Kitching got his first wicket of the season removing the number 5. Cox then sent the dangerman back as L. Brown took a great stinging catch at mid off.

Rock clawed back a well struck half boundary in the covers and fired into Blacklock with both batsman half way down the track - excellent.

Brown claimed his first KCC wicket with a plum LBW as the light and temperature were fading exceeding quickly. The spectators already clearing up with 5 overs left - just to keep warm!

Senior pros, Cairns and Nice, cleared up the tail. Nice, with the final 2 in consecutive balls leaving him on a hat trick next time round.

Burton Joyce: 61 all out in 16.3 overs

Super performance.

Shepherd: 3-0-11-2
Rock: 2-0-6-1
Kitching: 2-0-10-1
Cox: 2-0-12-1
Chamberlain: 2-0-3-0
L. Brown: 2-0-3-1
Nice: 1.3-0-3-2
Cairns: 1-0-7-1

Below is the Newark league website.

For those interested in stats and performances it is very good plus it has an up to date league table. The 'competitions' and 'stats' tabs are the most useful.

The KCC boys are already featuring highly!

http://newarkcyl.play-cricket.com/home/home.asp