Battle of Youth

A talented young Caribs side gave us a glimpse of the future as the Stiffs were beaten at home.

We bowled first and Caribs were all out for 207 with Skipper Cowlard taking 3-47. As usual our fielding was a mixed bag. Leggy was fresh from a morning watching the Two Towers on DVD, but sadly had fingers more like Gollum than Gandalf, spilling a tricky chance, and longed for Frodo's ring to make himself invisible from his chuckling team mates. Meanwhile Billy was back to his river-dancing best, all of a Michael Flatley flap under a steepling slog.

Tea by Jude had many highlights; sausage rolls and chicken nuggets tempted some of the Youth Policy onto solids for the first time, while those with a more developed taste opted for the coronation chicken wraps followed by special recipe chocolate cake. Cowlard scoffed a full plateful, and put a second in the fridge for later, anticipating a long innings.

In reply we batted well but lost wickets at the wrong time. AC top scored with 42 before being tempted down the track by the young spinner. Paul Lay, Billy and young Sam Wood all made good starts, but fell just at the wrong time. Caribs 13 year old spinner bowled a great spell to take 5 wickets and we were all out for 162.

Half of the players on the pitch were aged under 20 which bodes well for the future.

Bramcote Baths

A dismal day away at Bramcote where our batting matched the shabby weather. Heavy overnight and morning rain had left the bowlers' run ups looking like the shallow end at the nearby Baths.

After a close inspection of the Glastonbury mud bath, Tinno won the toss and decided it was time for Bowl First Keyworth.

The home side were none too keen to leave the comfort of the dressing room, leaving the Millers on stage hanging around, waiting for the headline acts to arrive.

Most importantly, Dimps had forgot his wellies, and could only offer liquorice mints to while away the time before the rain finally stopped and the match was reduced to 36 overs a side.

Leading wicket taker And Dave Strong opened up with Angry Hiller and both bowled a bit too short to take advantage of the swamp like conditions.

Laddy will be chuckling over his cornflakes hearing about more comic capers in the catching cordon. Tinno chipped a nail missing a sitter at 2nd and left the field for a manicure, while Drurs was offering Bobby a free eye test voucher after the Vice failed to pick up an edge at gully. Angry Andy was scathing in his judgement, "every week, ******* useless", and stomped off to fine leg.

For Garfield Graham, the sight of a seaming green top was the equivalent of a trip to Lourdes for his dodgy back, and the old pro sent down 9 overs of seam-up taking 4-15. Benji set the ball rolling with a Tom Daley half pike with tuck, recovering after slipping going for a simple catch.

Bobby had a rare off day with the ball, and it was his protege Day Hiller who worked through the lower order with Tom taking the day's fielding point with a fantastic catch down the leg side. A couple of late run outs saw the home side dismissed for 109, about 20 short of the par score according to the Tuckwell Legge Method.

Bramcote's entry for KCC Mastertea 2011 was disqualified for the use of outside caterers, though still wouldn't have featured due to the complete absence of fruit and veg. Mr Kipling's Viennese Whirls were the dry highlight.

If this was what it was like to bat in the 1960's, then Boycott can stick his 'uncovered peetches' up his Yorkshire a***. Bramcote's quick tore in licking his lips, and was clocked as 'brisk' on the Afghan-ometer, but a broken ankle short of 'rapid'. Tinno was trapped LBW playing back to a yorker, while Jay played down the A453 rather than the A52 and lost his middle pole.

Bradman was threatening to win the game single-handedly until unluckily gloving a lifter behind for a quick fire 35. Benji got a carbon copy to be caught at gully for 7 and Tom was another caught on the crease LBW for 2. Drurs was counting down the balls until the openers were off, until Dimps decided that bat hitting pad was an outside edge and sent the Chairman back, more miserable than Morrissey, for 6.

At 61-6 we were stuck in the mud, and needed the support act of Strong and Baker to step up and deliver a headline set. Both played the change bowlers with ease until falling in successive overs with the score at 89. Tuckers was another to spit the dummy stumped, allegedly, for 2. It was left to the Hiller-Sisters to do it for themselves, but Angry holed out to mid off to see us rolled over for 93.

A cracking pint of pavilion real ale from the Nottingham brewery could only leave a bitter taste as we made our sorry way home.

Healey and Nice send Attenboro' Packing

There wasn’t long to wait for the U14s. Extra correspondence by Legge ensured that Attenborough turned up at the 5th attempt as the 2 sides met for the first time in 3 years.

Nice was called up for a season debut with Machin on school duty. Normington lost the toss and the KCC XI were sent into the field.

A very tidy opening saw the visitors restricted to 16 off the first 5 overs with Healey, in particular, very economical. Brown was unable to make the break through but Healey deservedly struck in his fourth and final over – Shepherd running round neatly at mid off.

Tudor and Steiner were unable to disrupt the number 3 who was busy crafting a tidy innings. However Mills joined the party with his sixth delivery – Hennessy taking the faintest of inside edges.

Attenborough: 59-2 off 12.

The 3rd wicket partnership then began to take full advantage as the KCC ground fielding went AWOL – mis-fields and not attacking the ball were topped by the ball squirming past 3 people backing up!

The number 3 retired after a chanceless 50 before Steiner removed the number 4 – rearranging the stumps. Shepherd was wicket less but bowled excellently at the death: 4-0-24-0 as Attenborough closed on 114 for 3.

Could lightning strike twice?

It looked unlikely as Normington and Hennessy couldn’t get the openers away.

KCC 6-0 off 4
3 successive boundary clouts from Normington got the run rate back on track before he nicked behind chasing a wide one. Hennessy followed in the next over pulling across a straight one.

KCC: 30-2 off 7

Nice and Healey showed restraint for an over before hitting the accelerator. Excellent running and deft touches became the norm as the run rate began to creep up.

58-2 off 12 – 57 off 48.

Healey swung the balance into Keyworth’s advantage in brutal fashion. The opening 4 deliveries of the 13th over going for 4,4,4 then a massive 6 to cow. The Attenborough management were in disbelief as the same bowler was given another by the on field captain and Healey duly cashed in. A final, glorious 6, straight down the ground securing a maiden half century, bringing a tear to Healey Snr eye and a huge round of applause from all watching. A telling 78 run partnership saw the KCC machine on the brink of another victory.

Brown kept Nice on his toes running some highly improbable yet intelligent singles. Nice was fully into his stride with a thoroughly composed innings showing a wide variety shots. The finish line was achieved with 3 overs to spare thanks to a magnificent lofted leg side blow from Nice. The latter finished with an excellent 30* with Brown (5*)

Another tremendous run chase saw another victory as the 14s really stood up to be noticed. The win saw Keyworth take a position at the top of the league among the elite!

Having only ever defeated Ellerslie in the Nottingham League over the last 2 years, Attenborough became the third extra casualty along with Radcliffe and Plumtree. Progress!

Outstanding

Unbelievable. Legends. The Pinnacle. Absolute beauty. Dreamland.
Enough superlatives…

The 14s travelled to the reigning league champions, Radcliffe, hoping to have closed the standards gap on their more illustrious opponents.

Shepherd and Newell joined the regular cohort as Normington lost the toss and the KCC XI took to the field.

Machin Snr took charge of the scorebook allowing Tuckwell to prowl around the boundary and pass comment, while Healey and Brown opened up.

A steady start unfolded with both teams trying to wrestle the initiative from each other. After 8 overs the KCC boys were the more satisfied limiting their usual free scoring opponents to 35, with Healey finishing with figures of 4-0-20-0 and Brown 4-0-13-0.

Tudor and Steiner maintained the pressure with the latter dismissing the opener, Brown taking a routine catch at mid-off.

Radcliffe: 53-1 off 12

Tuckwell was busy on the phone relaying messages of positivity to Newell and Neecey Snr as it all went a little pear shaped.

Partly due to inexperience, wickets in hand and some suspect fielding the Radcliffe middle order began to make hay. Tudor and Mills both took a wicket, and Stolworthy a smart catch, as the run rate escalated with alarm. Steiner returned for a further wicket as 124 was reached off the penultimate over.

Shepherd strode up for a final hurrah and cart wheeled the off stump out of the ground in his first delivery. 5 more top draw deliveries kept the score below 130 and at least gave a minor wave of optimism.

Radcliffe: 129-5 off 20.

Legge and Tuckwell glossed over the on field fumblings as the batsman tucked into Mrs Healey’s freshly baked birthday fairy cakes. Attack was the message especially after Brown Snr heard the Radcliffe coach saying all the lesser lights would have a bowl indicating the game was as good as in the bag!

A first ball boundary from Normington was a perfect start but Hennessy fell in the first over, misjudging the pace and pulling one to square leg.

Machin and Normington put on 20 before both falling to smart catches in the 6th over.

KCC: 25-3 off 6 - 105 required off 84.

Healey and Brown then ignited the touch paper with a dazzling 30 run calypso carnage in 3 overs that sparked thoughts of the improbable.

Tuckwell gathered the lower middle order and reached for the pills with 67 needed off the final 60. The pair maintained their relentless pace as the Radcliffe elite were brought on to restore order and Tuckwell racked up the phone bill and RSI on the text.

KCC: 85-3 off 13 – 45 off 42

The breakthrough was immediate as Healey lost his off stump for a magnificent knock of 35. Tudor (4)came and went but kept the run rate ticking as Radcliffe tried to keep on top of the run a ball rate.

KCC: 94-5 off 15 – 36 off 30

Newell made an automatic impact crashing a couple of boundaries and running some immaculate singles with Brown, the ball only dropping metres from the bat to pressure the field. A huge 13 runs off the 16th over

Tuckwell was wearing out the grass around the perimeter as Brown (19) fell with the score on the dreaded Nelsons
111-6 off 17 – 19 off 18

Stolworthy (4) came and went but importantly launched an important boundary, as the tension became unbearable. Newell calmed the nerves after two bouncers were dispatched with class – the first hooked over square leg, the next cut over point.

120-7 off 18 – 10 off 12

Steiner was the new man in and the popular lefty knocked a single and a double before Newell was beaten all ends up by a swinging Yorker. The stumps remained intact but more importantly the ball evaded the keeper and raced over the ropes.

127-7 off 19 – 3 off 6

Steiner turned hero as Tuckwell was lying prostrate watching behind closed fingers. Steiner (7*) crashed the first ball of the final for four to seal a historic win with Newell (15*) also unbeaten .

The pinnacle of the junior journey so far against the reigning champions. A superb performance of immense character and belief.

Outstanding boys. Truly Outstanding.

Schools' Day Success

A brilliant day on Wednesday saw local schools battle it out in our annual competition. The weather was kind, with only one sharp shower, that didn't affect the programme or dampen enthusiasm.

The tournament was fiercely competitive and noise levels high. Some great bowling and hitting was on display, and the ground fielding and catching was exceptional. All the kids and their parents really seemed to enjoy the whole day. The overall winners of the competition were the team from Cotgrave who won all of their matches. More details will follow from Tuckers.......

Tuckers once again did a tremendous job making the day run like clockwork. And thanks to the many KCC volunteers who made the day possible.

100 Reasons To Be Cheerful

The Stiffs banished the bad memories of previous weeks by chasing down over 200 at home to Edingley. The highlight was a maiden century from Rob Beake. A full match report hopefully to follow.........

Better Than Average

With shower clouds circling, the Firsts travelled north to Suthell or South Well passing at least four grounds where pitch inspections were taking place under umbrellas. Amazingly the beautiful Southwell ground had missed, and continued to miss, all of the forecast rain.

Tinno lost the toss but was delighted to be asked to bat first. Sadly the smile was soon gone as the Skip was undone by some great seam bowling for 5. Iggy needed to score 4 not out, or 104, to get to a better-than-Bradman average of 100, and it looked like it was to be the former, as the one-man-team scratched around for just a single after 20 balls, including an expensive drop by the 'keeper. At the other end Jay was equally watchful as the pair carefully saw off the accurate opening attack. Both had accelerated through the gears and created more work for Barry putting on 104 before Jay was bowled for 31 with score on the dreaded 'Nelson'.

Drurs walked in only to see Iggy also walking off, having decided he needed a rest, to protect his back, and average, on 58. Rocket took guard and had Dimps all in a spin, "Where's Jay gone?", asked our ump', completely unaware that Jay had been bowled in all the mayhem! Rocket and Drurs tucked into the opposition spinners putting on a run-a-ball 85. The Chairman was gasping for air as the pair scampered 20 2's on the large Southwell outfield. Renders was caught behind for 39 off 37, and was later gutted to be found he'd been out-scored by his old mate.

As usual Benji took time to play himself in, crashing his first two balls for 4! And cemented his place at the top of Bobby's strike-rate chart making 13 off just 8 balls. Tommy had another thankless task with just three balls left, and would have been 6 not out at the Field of Dreams, only to be caught on the long off boundary. Drurs confirmed his re-birth as a born again slogger, attracting interest from the Chennai Chiefs, making an unbeaten 61 off 51 balls. Ever the old-pro, IG limped back on for the final ball and hobbled through for a single, to avoid any debate about the effect of a 'retired hurt' on his now three-figure average. 229-5 at tea was another great effort.

Southwell were the latest entrants in KCC's 'Mastertea 2011'. This was an above average spread with an abundance of cakes, and sliced gammon cobs, catching the KCC fatties attention. But a lack of fruit, and no real signature dish, made it touch and go whether this was a contender for 'tea of the season'.

Rocket roared in and this week got full reward by blasting through the Southwell top order with three clean bowleds in a hostile opening spell of 3-10 off 8 overs.

At the other end Strongy was fuming as a straight-forward edge was dropped behind, "F****** jugglers" moaned KCC's golf pro, along with other less printable obscenities, tarring the whole hapless umbrella cordon with the same brush! Tom soon brought a grin back to Strongy's chops with a fantastic diving catch in front of first slip. A couple more wickets kept Charlie at the top of the wicket taking charts, ending his spell on 3-18.

Spin twins Bobby and Day Hiller-Sister tucked into the lower order with the same relish as the tea time fairy cakes, both helping themselves to a brace of wickets. Again everything went perfectly in the field and Tuckers had to move barely an inch to pouch a catch in the deep.

Southwell were all out for 52 and a 20 point return saw us return to the top of the table.

Good Recovery in Cup Exit

The 14s travelled to West Bridgfordians in the Quarter Final of the cup, the reward for defeating neighbours Plumtree.

Normington loss the toss and was told to field. The WBCC opener obviously keen to add to his individual batting tally of 250+ runs and numerous retirements of 50.

On a super large outfield sweepers were employed to reduce the boundaries. Healey (4-0-18-0) endured a luckless spell but bowled very well. It was left to his opening strike partner, Brown, to take the first wicket - removing the number 2 with a clean bowled.

WBCC: 43-1 off 7

In all of the matches it is the change bowlers that can make or break the innings and this time it was no exception. Steiner and Tudor bowled a superb line and length and got their just rewards.

With the ground fielding excellent, the opener ran out of patience with singles and heaved across a Steiner inswinger, to depart for 39, with his stumps rearranged.

Tudor (4-0-9-3) elevated himself to the top of the 'wickets taken chart' in the Notts League. 2 plum LBW decisions and a neat caught and bowled left the middle order wobbling.

WBCC: 71-5 off 15

Stolworthy and Mills were entrusted to close out the innings and an all action last 5 overs left the WBCC sidelines worrying. Hennessy was determined to show his fellow KCC gloveman, Blacklock, that he was equal to the high standards being set. He produced 2 excellent stumpings off the bowling of Mills, and was sharp enough to create a run out with both batsman at the same end.

Cairns concluded an excellent bit of fielding with a smart run out as Mills finished with excellent figures of 3-0-9-2

WBCC: 97-9 off 20

A super display in the field to keep the top team in the division in check, and there was the belief that victory could be achieved.

A superb opening bowling attack had other ideas. After 5 overs there was 1 run on the board and Machin, Newell and Normington back in the hutch. Legge was fearing a touch of deja-vu with Saturday's n-n-n-n-n nineteen still fresh in the mind.

8 overs in and the bowling remained relentlesly impressive with 3 further runs added and Healey back in the pavilion.

KCC: 8-4 off 8

Cometh the hour... with victory a distant dream, Brown and Tudor started the rebuild. Both batted excellently with pride. A mixture of boundaries and well worked running ensured a creditable total. Tudor (12) fell in the 17th over with the partnership approaching 40 and Brown (23) departed shortly after, both to a warm and deserved applause.

Hennessy (8*) and Cairns (4*) then showed delightful running to pressure the fielders into some uncharacteristic mistakes as the innings closed on 55-6.

No cup dream this year but an abundance of character and the belief that the big teams are in sight!

Ransomes Rolled Over

Legge and Tuckwell took charge of the 13s with Newell on overseas duties. A potential shambles was overted as the Ransome and Marles convoy rolled up to the Rec at 7 - having missed the turn off to Keyworth, heading down the A46, before spinning it round and stopping off at Platt Lane for good measure.

With only 10 players in the travelling party the KCC tail took it in turns to field as skipper Nice and Chamberlain looked to pile on the runs.

Chamberlain (5) fell to a direct hit in the 2nd over, with 12 on the board, to bring Newell to the crease. The established duo served up a mixture of boundaries and sharp singles for a partnership of 46 before Newell (18) went for an uncustomary wander and was stumped.

Shepherd looked in fine touch but fell to the second direct hit of the innings. Nice powered on in a swashbuckling fashion. Neecy Snr pleased with the amount of leg side shots that were converted and found their way to the boundary.

This week the skipper made it to 35* and walked off to a deserved round of applause. Cairns (13*) maintained the momentum and was duly supported by Blacklock (6) who, looking for a last ball maximum, skied one into the covers.

Keyworth: 100-4 off 16

Those that hadn't batted were entrusted with the ball and the 2010 U12 bowler of the year, Rock, opened proceedings in his 2nd game. The opening duo raced to 14 off 2 overs but Rock found his range and produced a double wicket maiden in his second over - firstly removing off stump and then Flewitt taking a safe catch at square leg.

Baines joined the party in the very next over with that man Blacklock getting his 7th stumping of the year.

Newark: 22-3 off 4

A steady 4th wicket partnership was developing before Baines produced the first of 2 run outs. The second dismissing the opener who was well set on 20.

Chamberlain (2-1-3-0) bowled a tidy spell before Kitching's leg flippers made a double break through in the 12th over.

After marshalling the field superbly Nice took the last over and opened with a wicket - the equally vocal and well organised Newell taking a safe up and under at point.

Newark 51-8 off 16

The win ensured that the boys remained top of the league setting up a potential winner takes all clash, with the undefeated Fiskerton, later in the season.

http://newarkcyl.play-cricket.com/leagueTables/divisionTable.asp?id=6238&seasonid=24

One Ell' Of A Knock

Bat First Keyworth got back on track with a comprehensive win over fellow village residents Willoughby.

Leading wicket taker Strong was absent, along with Day Hiller. Day had a tissue thin plot to cover up a mucky weekend away, but bringing in twin sister Andy was never going to wash with the KCC heirarchy.

Tinno had no hesitation in batting first after winning the toss. Most spectators delayed their arrival to allow the Skipper time to play himself in, and the Postman delivered once again, taking 20 balls to get off the mark. Tuckers was overjoyed as it aided his need for sleep after a 4am finish, and spent the rest of the innings working through Super-Scorer Shelley's emergency first aid supplies. The Skipper reached 10 before perishing. XX Dale meanwhile was more fluent reaching 24 before slicing to gully.

One-Man-Team Graham was demoted from his usual opening spot on his return to the team, Tinno indicating that he couldn't dictate his place, and that there was only one captain, though quite which of the Miller's seven on-field skippers had made the decision was unclear. Jay fell quickly to a good ball for a duck, then Rocket was quite rightly fined half his match fee for not walking for an LBW that he middled!

At 66-4 after 20 overs we were in a spot of bother. The Chairman found himself in an unaccustomed no.6 spot but was in reality opening the innings to occupy the crease alongside IG. Bomber battling demons, berating himself after every ball that wasn't smashed for 6. With counselling sessions arranged between balls, Drurs reminded him that the pitch was more like batting at St.Ives than St.Edmunds, and guided them to a partnership of 107.

Iggy slowly got on top of the bowling, and bludgeoned his way to 81 off 70 balls, before holing out in the deep, like Bradman leaving his average on 98 for the season. The away side celebrated as if they'd won promotion, especially as we were down to a tail of Benji, Tom and Bobby....! Ben told Drurs he was going to have a look for a while, and promptly smashed his second ball for 6. He followed this with three more blows straight out of the ground, to win the day's longest drive, on the way to a fantastic 42 off 22 balls.

80 came off the last 10 overs, with even Drurs hitting a 6 as we posted 254 off our 45 overs. Tom got some valuable batting time in the last over, to allow Drurs to rest on his bat for a red-inker, 67 not out off 70 balls.

Tea by Justine was another impressive spread. Fruit kebabs were a joy, but were overlooked by Bobby, "not enough meat on those for me". The Youth Policy wolfed down old skool cheese and pickle sandwiches, but the highlights were home recipe millionaire's shortbread and jam scones that crumbled beautifully, a bit like our pitch.

In reply Rocket steamed in down the hill, still fuming at his earlier dismissal. Our batters roared him on delighted not to be facing. Steve deserved far better than his figures of 1-23 off 8, but this was a case of softening up the batters for wickets to fall at the other end. Andy Hiller-Sister took a wicket with his 4th ball, as Tom took a good catch off a top edge, and ran through the top order taking 5-55 off 10 overs.


A fly-past from a Lancaster Bomber was quite appropriate as Bobby licked his lips at bowling into the craters left from Rocket's earlier shells. The away side had no answer to back-page Baker who mopped up the tail with the same relish as the tea time sausage rolls, his 3-25 ending with a Warne-like bowled round the legs.

This was our best fielding display of the year. Dale pouched a sharp catch, Tom took a fine low edge, and Benji was even backing up his own throws! But Drurs awarded himself the fielding point, amazingly finding himself at cover point, and then pulling off a diving stop, to general disbelief.

A day when everything went right in the field as Willoughby were dismissed for 117 to see us take a maximum 20 points.

Waltham Mastered

Some good news to round off the weekend as Legge's Sunday Eleven comfortably won away at Waltham.

See-Soar and Billy opened up and put on 50 between them, before fellow youngsters Sam and Zac put on a further 80 to see us to 191-8.

Waltham got about 100 in reply.

Grizzly at Risley

The Firsts travelled into Hazzard County to the picturesque Risley ground. The squad was as threadbare as the gusset on Bobby's whites, with ex-Minor Counties star Graham, and young guns Benji and Tommy away. We also weren't helped by Boom Boom's freak lawnmower accident. The Treetops Retirement home adjoining the ground was staging an Open Day with news that Cowlard and Drurs were once again pressed into service. Cowlard though was in his element with Risley surely the only ground with a pool table in the away dressing room.

Stand-in skipper Bobby lost the toss and we bowled first. Despite only getting a supporting mention in this week's Post 'and Dave Strong' was given choice of ends in keeping with being the side's leading wicket taker. Ex-French International, and Varsity Blue, Rocket Rendu was forced to bowl up the hill and sulked. The home side mastered our opening pair reaching 50 without loss by the 11th over.

Spin twins Baker and Day Hiller-Sister pulled back the rate with Jay taking a sharp catch at slip. Bobby deserved better than a single wicket, and if he'd had three arms would have postured a triple teapot, as AC somehow lost his bearings taking a catch at deep mid off only to find his feet on the boundary line. Day was the pick of the bowlers with 3-43 off 11.

Billy just pipped See-Saw for the fielding point, a studs up slide on the boundary the highlight of which any Notts County centre half would have been proud.

Tea was a solid spread. Pasta salad was a highlight, along with retro snowballs with 98% sugar content.

Beakey and XX Dale got off to a great start reaching 50 in the 13th over, and put on 85 before Dale went for a fine 43. Two overs later Beakey followed for 35. Drurs walked plum LBW first ball and at 86-3 we were on the back foot.

Jay 18 and Rocket 14 found boundaries hard to come by and the run rate required climbed steadily from 6 through to 11.

Bobby gave us hope smashing 22 off an over but perished for 28. Strongy ended up on 26 for his usual red-inker.

At 188-7 we were well short at the close.

N-n-n-n-n-n-Nineteen

A dismal day for an inexperienced Stiffs side, dismissed for only 19 at home against Bingham, as our last 5 batters all made ducks.

In reply the away side knocked off the runs in just 6 balls.