Golden Graham

A hard fought 20 points for the First team away at West Bridgfordians.

The dressing room the day after a day at the Trent Bridge test is always a sight to behold, and most of the squad were carrying drink related niggles. Bomber had failed to apply the factor 50 to his knees, which were shinier than the new ball, and ripe for a nasty dose of pad rash. Benji meanwhile had avoided the attention of the 4am Girls by going to bed at 5, in the garden, after Boom Boom’s birthday.

Some eyebrows were raised initially when Tinno opted to bat first on a watered track that would only get better, and raised still further when we slumped to 8-2 in the second over, Beakey out to his first ball, and XX Dale to his second.

Fortunately we had five recognised openers and a no.3 in the eleven and the Postman and Bradman set about repairing the damage. Tinpot took 20 balls to reach double figures, while IG was more destructive reaching 50 in 47 balls, the ball racing away on the parched outfield. Tinno went LBW for 25 with the score on 80.

Drurs joined IG to offer more counselling to his veteran partner who was once again trying to play the perfect shot to every ball. Bradman got a bit nervous in the 90’s and had to resort to sprinting his first runs since 1997 to bring up his century.

Benji didn’t need to move the sightscreen as he could barely see it through his hungover eyes, and smashed a quick 26 before departing for more kip. Drurs had scratched around to reach 44 before LBW. The batting highlight though belonged to Day Hiller-Sister who was still doubting himself despite his flat-batted six the previous week; “Is Tuckers ready?”, asked Day before going in to bat, more concerned about the next man in rather than his own innings!

Some late scampering left us 228-7 at the break.

WB’s were the latest entrant to KCC’s Mastertea 2011 and comfortably made it through to the next round. The senior pros enjoyed gammon sandwiches and spicy onion bhajis, while the Hiller Sisters scoffed prawn flavoured Skips and sausage rolls. Though Tinno’s retro highlight was the haslet filling, last seen in a sandwich in 1985, completely unchanged since only one step up from kebab meat in nutritional value. Shelley’s birthday fairy cakes finished off the feast perfectly.

In reply, Angry Hiller was once again hot and bothered. The grunt dial on the angry-ometer had been turned up from Serena to Sharapova as Andy became more and more frustrated at a series of play and misses, and failed LBW appeals. Finally Angry boiled over as a rank long hop raced to the boundary. Dimp was forced to issue a warning and deduct 25% of his match fee for another F and C laden outburst, that had Dale quickly re-writing the club’s code of conduct, to avoid losing the potty mouthed seamer for good. Andy finally got a wicket as IG pouched a sharp catch at slip. Cowlard meanwhile had seen it all before and simply bowled at the stumps, and got a deserved LBW in a tight spell, to move further ahead of Leggy in their wicket taking challenge for the season.

The life was sucked out of the home side’s reply by tight bowling from spin twins IG and Day. Bomber as usual was setting his field with a set square and protractor, while Day was consulting his Ladybird Book of Cricket between overs to learn the positions to set his, in the absence of Bobby. Tinno as usual just let them got on with it as the rate rose from 5 to 6 to 7 and all the way through to 11 an over, as the pressure told.

Our ground fielding and catching were excellent, no doubt influenced by the arrival of KCC legends Heppers and Sir Geoff Baker, all ready to heckle the slightest fumble after a day on the pop at the Test.

Beakey took a fine catch behind, but the fielding point was shared by Tuckers and Jay-Vee who both topped 5 miles on the Opta Index scuttling around the boundary ripping trousers and knee caps to keep the boundaries at bay.

Some late slogging took WB’s to 197 before Day Hiller took a fine catch on the boundary, a great effort to bowl a side out on a flat track. Bowling figures were splendid: IG 4-46, AC 2-34, A. Sister 2-36, D. Sister 2-56.

Last Ball Thriller in Title Decider

The 13s arrived at Fiskerton for the league title decider. Something had to give for the top 2 teams, having both played 8 won 8. An absolute belter ensued, fitting of any final.

The home team bats first so the KCC XI of...

Back Row (l-r) M. Shepherd, L. Brown, G. Flewitt, T. Newell, J. Cairns, C. Malik. P. Newell (manager)

Front Row (l-r) J. Wilkins, T. Kitching, J. Nice (c) T. Blacklock (wk), M. Chamberlain

...had chance to put their 30 minute preparation into good effect.

Shepherd roared in with the speed and accuracy that had been hoped for all season and opened with 2 successive maidens, to set the tone. Chamberlain found his usual line and length but was dispatched a couple of times by the powerful opener who had yet to be dismissed this season.

Fiskerton: 14-0 off 4

Find of the season, Wilkins, struck with his second delivery. A top edge saw Cairns spring to action from backward short leg to take a diving catch. Kitching provided an able foil at the other end as the spin kings took the pace off the ball. Wilikns produced a second moment to savour holding onto a sharp return catch to dismiss the number 3.

Fiskerton: 33-2 off 8.

It was an over too far for Kitching as the talented opener successively carted the ball to the ropes, bringing up a clinical and chanceless 35* for his 6th retirement of the season. A fine knock. The KCC management pleased that it took nearly 13 overs to do so. Wilkins finished with 3-0-16-2.

The number 4 kept up the tempo, with 5 an over being scored, in a wily duel with Nice and Flewitt, who both bowled excellently. Brown produced an excellent bit of fielding off the bowling of Flewitt. Blacklock removing the stumps with the batsman a yard out.

Fiskerton: 67-3 off 12

The number 6 gave a master class in backing up and running between the wickets but was matched by a superb over a piece from Brown and Malik, who conceded only 9 runs between them.

Fiskerton: 87-3 off 16

Senior pros, Shepherd and Cairns, had the responsibility of keeping the total below 100 and didn’t disappoint. Shepherd maintained his discipline and the number 4 was triggered plum LBW for a fine knock of 30. Shepherd finishing with 3-2-5-1. Cairns was miserly with only 3 runs coming from the final over.

Fiskerton: 96-4 off 18.

A superb fielding and bowling display with each player rising to the challenge, only 7 wides and no balls was a great effort.

In reply the U12 pairing of Chamberlain and Blacklock opened leaving the big guns down the order and Blacklock Snr watching through closed fingers!

The duo produced some nice tip and run before Chamberlain (3) was caught in the covers. Captain Nice strode onto the pitch after an all day sports day and couldn’t find the previous nights blistering form – chipping back to the bowler for a regulation caught and bowled.

KCC: 15-2 off 4.

Blacklock and Newell settled the nerves of the large KCC travelling support with sharp running and well timed off side strokes – As Blacklock Snr heart rate returned to safe levels.

KCC: 38-2 off 8.

With the Fiskerton bowlers maintaining an impressive line and length it became apparent that the middle order would be required to hopefully close the game out with both Blacklock and Newell looking likely to retire with 30 still needed.

KCC: 67- 2 off 12.

Blacklock’s (27) magnificent innings finally came to an end in the 13th over after being stranded halfway down the crease but left to a standing ovation and deservedly feeling very proud of his achievements. The pair shared a magnificent 3rd wicket partnership of 59.

Blacklock: The innings of his season along with faultless glovework

Shepherd, capable of finishing the game in a couple of lusty strokes, unfortunately came and went. Newell (36*) retired to another ovation after an exceptional knock and his most important innings of the season. However, the whole complexion of the match had changed.

KCC: 75-4 off 15

22 off 18 required with Cairns and Wilkins in the middle. An excellent 1st over saw 10 scored with 4 doubles accumulated.

KCC: 85-4 off 16.

12 off 12 as the tension racked up a notch and Ted was placing money on the tie. The penultimate over started promisingly with 6 runs coming off the 1st 4 deliveries before Wilkins (5) chipped to the covers. Brown came to the crease as a dot completed the over.

KCC: 91-5 off 17.

6 off 6. The suspense was raised to unbearable levels after a dot, before a brave piece of running saw Cairns take the strike. 5 off 4. You could hear a pin drop as the match swung into the home teams favour with two further dot balls. 5 off 2.

The penultimate delivery saw Cairns swing hard, straight through the line as the ball was launched skywards. The whole sidelines were willingly the ball to the long boundary ropes as the fielders set off. An agonizing wait ensued as the ball landed softly and took an eternity to reach the boundary with the fielders closing in. With the final roll the ball touched the rope leaving the scores tied and one ball remaining. The whole season coming down to the final ball of the final match – who said cricket wasn’t exciting!

With the fielders close in, another excellent delivery was bowled, Cairns couldn’t get anything on it but Brown was off like a rocket. Surely the bails would be removed. In fairness it was a melee of bodies and hard to tell what had happened until Cairns raced to the non strikers end hotly followed by the ball. A fling of the bat, a pitch invasion, tears and hugs and joyous scenes erupted as the KCC XI were victorious by a solitary run.

An amazing match fitting of a title decider played between 2 excellent and evenly matched teams. Huge credit to Fiskerton who bowled and fielded excellently conceding only 6 wides themselves.

Newell and Cairns: Vital contributions with the bat

Over dramatic, not in the slightest! You had to be there, absolute magic. Such character from both sets of players and such excitement. A massive and thoroughly deserved achievement from the U13 and a match that will live long in the memories of everyone in attendance.

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

No Unity

An overcast night saw the 14s gather by the Trent to play Notts Unity. An astro pitch awaited as Tudor and Steiner opened up after Normington lost the toss.

The oppostion had a wide array of spin bowling at their disposal and used it with great effect with the openers being very watchful. Steiner crashed a nice boundary before being caught in the covers for 9.

KCC: 16-1 off 5

The Unity bowlers were enjoying the upper hand and were very bouyant as the runs were hard to come by - Newell and Tudor only able to deal in singles but protecting their wicket well.

Tudor (11) fell at the half way stage, stumped by the young keeper, as the platform was set.

KCC: 36-2 off 10

Healey was imediately in on the act as he was looking to establish another profitable partnership with Newell and ignite the innings. It only lasted an over and a half before Newell (17) was triggered LBW. Hennessy came in and was at his scampering best before being bowled playing round a straight one, for 6.

KCC 64-4 off 15

Normington dropped down the order and bludgeoned a few boundaries before a mix up saw Healey (14) run out. Normington crashed 2 further boundaries before being bowled for 18, whilst the tail was found wanting trying to push the score past the hundred mark.

KCC: 91-9 off 20

In light of previous matches it was a disapointing total with all the batsman never really settled and looking hesitant.

Brown (2-0-6-0) and Steiner (2-0-6-0) bowled tightly as both openers look very assured and Tuckwell worrying that it could be an early night.

However, the change bowlers swung the match into KCC advantage. Healey was on a hat trick striking with his 6th and 7th deliveries. Normington safe under the first at mid off, Brown inspirational as the 2nd was crashed straigt at his mid riff as he collapsed with the ball stuck, stinging in his palms. Match changing.

Shepherd ensured there was no let up with a double breakthrough in his second over, clean bowling the number 3 and Steiner taking a routine catch at mid on.

Wilkins was on debut for the 14th and struck with his first delivery as the new man in skied one into the covers which Cairns duly took.

Unity: 30-5 off 9.

Then it all kicked off leaving a rather sour taste... A combination of factors: the home teams plight and two decisions in successive overs given with gusto - a run out and LBW prompted an on the field tete a tete questioning the ethics of cricket.

The home team didn't help their cause as a continuation of high risk shots and indecisive communication saw 3 further run outs - thankfully at the home umpires end.

The game was wrapped up in the 12th over with the Unity all out for 36.

An atmosphere as sombre as the overcast weather descended over the field of play which clouded an otherwise excellent performance.

Moral Victory

With eyes still on a league and cup double, West Bridgfordians made the short trip to the Field of Dreams to play the 14s.

Having 2 successful run chases in the bag, Normington was delighted to have lost the tossed and been asked to field. The Bridgfordians County opener obviously keen to hit the 500 runs for the Summer, accompanied by his free scoring partner.

Steiner had other ideas as he immediately swung into action as a reckless cover drive was taken safely by Normington at mid-off, during the first over. Brown was asked to bowl up the hill and did so with unerring accuracy, frequently beating the edge.

Then the moment came... Steiner produced a big in-dipper which Bridgford's main man went after. The ball skied high into the air and hung agonizingly over Normington, once again at mid off. With the whole crowd holding their breath the skipper safely swallowed it up, leaving both openers back in the hutch with only 15 on the board.

Steiner and Brown took a break as Healey (4-0-21-2) and Mills (4-0-17-0) bowled straight through. Healey struck in his opening and final over, amid a bit of tap - Newell and Shepherd both rock solid in the field to take the catches. Mills bowled a teasing line that unsettled the batsman. The Number 3 was well set as the run rate remained at nearly 6 an over.

WBCC: 71-4 off 13.

The match hung in the balance. Brown returned to remove the dangerman for 34 as the away side were handily placed at 87-5 with 4 overs remaining.

Steiner and Newell had other ideas. Newell (2-0-9-0) bowled with great containment to set up Steiner for his finest moment of the season. Dominic's final 2 overs up the hill saw a wicket with his final delivery which went with 2 others and a meagre 3 runs leaving him with outstanding figures of 4-1-13-5 and the first Five-fer in our fledgling junior adventure.

WBCC: 98-8 off 20

Legge and Tuckwell were keen for deja-vu to be avoided having been in a similar position during the cup game, only to be reduced to 8-4 off 8.

Normington (2) fell in the first over failing to get forward which brought Newell straight to the crease to accompany Tudor. Once again the opponents were remarkably accurate with runs very hard to come by.

KCC: 15-1 off 7

Tudor (7) fell in the 8th over, as one squeezed through the gate, which brought Healey to the crease. Ben was in no need to hang around and launched a majestic 6 to long off as the opponents started to panic with the run rate increasing. With the partnership well set on 33, Healey (26) was deemed to be run out returning for a second. The disbelief on Ben's face said it all...

KCC: 48-3 off 13 (51 off 42)

Hennessy was unrelenting as another fine partnership was forming as 30 runs were put on in 4 overs and the momentum building in Keyworth's favour. With the victory target looming invitingly onto the horizon, Newell (24) fell in a carbon copy to Healey - run out returning for a second. The disbelief and tears in the eyes said it all as did Leggy's teapot impersonation at the bowlers end.

KCC: 81-4 off 18 (17 off 12)

Cairns (8) briefly injected some wind back into the sails with a glorious stright drive and a magnificently scampered 3 as a tense final over was set up with KCC requiring 10 off 6. The WBCC opener had other ideas with an excellent final over. 4 wickets with the first 4 balls. The hat trick delivery unfortunately a run out, but a tremendous effort nonetheless. Brown and Steiner finished on a high scoring 5 runs off the final 2 balls.

KCC: 93-9 off 20

A moral victory against another of the leagues elite and testament to how far the boys have come. So proud of the boys achievement and their manner and demeanour.

All the Fun After the Fair

The 14s were in carnival mode after spending the weekend on a hook-a-duck and the waltzers. With the trailer marks barely dry and the tombola store just packed away, Kegworth arrived for a friendly.

Having fallen foul to various cancellations, it was the first chance in a month for the 14s to wield the willow after two brilliant victories over Radcliffe and Attenborough.

It was decided everyone would bowl 2 overs. Healey (2-0-4-0) and Steiner (2-0-4-1) opened up and it was Dom who made the break through taking a regulation catch off his own bowling, in the 2nd over.

Brown (2-0-11-0) and Mills (2-1-2-1) were both in the action. A smart direct hit, from Newell, removing the second opener, off the bowling of Brown. Mills was miserly, clean bowling Number 3 in a wicket maiden.

Kegworth: 26-3 off 8.

Skipper Normington had his first 2 overs of the season and put himself in contention for opening the attack on a regular basis! - 3 wickets in 2 overs for 2 runs. 2 clean bowled and a smart catch from Newell in the covers. Stolworthy (2-0-5-1) was not to be out done. A new spin approach reaping dividends as a big swipe popped into the air for Shepherd to pouch. Newell got his second run out of the innings in Stolly's second over.

Kegworth: 34-8 off 12

Tudor (2-0-5-1) was hoping there would be chance to bowl and duly got in the act as Steiner showed a safe pair of hands. It was not to be for Nice and Shepherd as Newell (1.4-0-6-1) cleared up the final wicket in the 16th over

Kegworth: 45 all out

The KCC openers had the added incentive of a 10/10 match afterwards if they could wrap up the match quickly.

Hennessy (2) and Shepherd (2) found it hard going before both being dismissed in the 3rd over. The honours fell to Tudor and Nice to steer the KCC jugonaut home inside 8 overs. Tudor (6*) played an excellent supporting role but it was Nice (32* 7x4s) who gathered the plaudits with a succession of crashing cover drives each one surpassing the previous. A one bounce 4 to backward square sealing the victory.

Keyworth: 46-2 off 7.2

10/10 Time

It was down to the KCC XI to post the target in the 10/10 challenge with each bowler having an over each. Steiner and Stolworthy opened up.

Stolly (2) managed a neat brace off his legs before playing around a straight one. Normington (2) came and went, looking a little out of sorts, chipping one straight back to the bowler. But Steiner was in bullish mood firing the ball to all parts for a season high 20 before being run out.

Healey crashed a rapid fire 25 before retiring as Newell (9*) and Brown (9) saw the innings to a close.

Keyworth: 76-4 off 10

Healey took the gloves after Henno recieved a ball to the face on the sidelines. Brown first over indicated nothing of the hilarity that was to ensue as Hennessy's night went from bad to worse. A 10 ball over contained everything... apart from a wicket. Leggy even seemed to be enjoying calling the no balls as the rest of his 'friends' offered bowling tips! 22 runs off the over meant the remaining 8 bowlers had to put their money where their mouths were!

Shepherd (1-0-5-1), Normington (1-0-2-1) and Nice (1-0-5-1) redressed the balance before Stolly (1-0-11-0) 'span' it back to the visitors favour! Hennessy slumped to new lows as the ball followed him around the field - the lowlight a mis-timed long barrier meant a crack straight on the knee cap that echoed all around the Rec, along with muffled laughter. Still an absolute legend Pete, just one of those nights!

Steiner (1-1-0-2), Mills (1-0-2-1) Newell (1-0-4-1) and Tudor (1-0-3-1) wrapped it up with some tidy bowling each taking a wicket a piece allowing Hennessy to get home to be wrapped in ice then cotton wool!

Kegworth: 57-7 off 10

Stolly Stars For Seconds

More good experience for a young Stiffs side away at Caunton on Saturday. Flymo Ted won the toss and bowled first. We did really well to keep the home side to less than 200, given they'd racked up nearly 300 against us at the same time last year. Fielding was excellent and Liam Savage took a great catch on debut. The star of the show though was Josh Stolworthy who returned great figures of 5-17. In reply we were never in the hunt. Malc Healey top scored as we struggled to 72 all out.

Take That and Party

One of the most entertaining and laugh-a-minute days in recent memory at the Field of Dreams with scandal that would have made even a News of The World reporter blush.

Pre-match mirth for the visit of Long Whatton, saw See Soar roar into the car park in his work van with the plate, Y 841 FOO, needing only the addition on an 'L' to make a perfect personalised number. His team mates looked on in envy as he demolished a monster portion of fish and chips as a pre match warm up.

The start of the football season normally creates selection headaches, but we hadn't expected the Scottish Premier version to coincide with at least a dozen regulars being unavailable. Pre-match chatter revolved around the summer's hottest party invite. Rumour had it that Justine's 40th had accounted for most of KCC's senior pros. Bradman was an obvious absentee, but Strong, XX Dale and Baker were all tarred with the same A-list brush. "Does no one want to play cricket on a Saturday?", asked Tinno, though it transpired that most of the absentees had plausible excuses elsewhere, apart from Benji who was seeing his girlfriend.

Cowlard had spent a good half an hour practicing his Greco-roman wrestling with the scoring gazebo, hoping to jump straight to the top of the Super Scorer's favourite's list. Unfortunately Shelley was an A-lister and turned up to announce she was off to enjoy the party! Tuckers was delighted, eyeing up the vacant tent for a couple of hours kip, for once feeling rough on a Saturday due to a non drink related illness. Tuck needed to dig deep though, as Tinno won the toss and chose to bowl first on a dampish pitch.

We were on top early with Angry Hiller bowling a hostile spell up the hill, spurred on by sister Day sledging him for breaking the 50 mph barrier for the first time this season. The Angry-ometer was dipping into the red zone as he repeatedly beat the edge, and then saw snicks race through vacant 2nd slip. Things snapped as a long hop quite rightly disappeared onto Nottingham Road, leading to a tantrum that contained enough F’s and C’s to show that Andy would easily fit in with his new Cockney chums. He finally got a deserved wicket with Tom taking a fantastic diving catch in front of first slip.

Cowlard meanwhile was more relaxed, sedated by Lemsip for man flu, and took a perfect wicket down the hill, a beautiful away-swinger catching the edge for Beakey to take our first slip catch since Laddy left.

Rocket’s head was a shed after the rush of tea preparation, and took to the field with his trousers on back to front, looking like MC Hammer. A quick break in play allowed for a whirlwind break-dancing change only for the buffoon to get back up with his whites still facing the wrong way! Still it was a case of ‘u can’t touch this’ as a full toss from our long haired hero clattered into middle stump to take wicket number 3.

A decent stand then put us on the back foot for a little while as off the field action heated up.

A game of keepy-uppy among the local youths descended into chaos, with the ball repeatedly being kicked onto the field. After several good-natured warnings, Rocket had seen enough, and half volleyed the footie straight into the Vicarage, racing to the top of the Champagne Moment nominations for the season. The local numpties were apoplectic. The VI-in-chief tried to scale the Vicarage fence only to find anti-vandal paint on his hands, comically using his copy of the Sun to try to wipe them clean. Back-page Bobby for once had to clean up the headlines rather than write them himself, as the tabloid filth blew across the Field of Dreams.

Poor Jacko Palmer had got caught up with the local yobs, and was in danger of being found guilty by association. Bobby was quick to alert KCC legend Sticky, who raced up the road to make sure that PC Malik had no need to interrupt his sandwich break.

The last thing we then needed was for the Red Bull dolly birds to arrive, dishing out free samples of caffiene-fix, to send the numpties even higher. Off sulked the VI's threatening to return to dig up the pitch, and with a golf driver to apparently "hit the long haired **** in the head". The joys of the Field of Dreams in summer.

After a string of promising performances, young Sam Wood had attracted a travelling fan club, easily trebling the day’s attendance. Some smart fielding was accompanied by admiring ‘whoop whoops’ and ‘Go Sam’s’, much to our young hero’s embarrassment, and the older players’ envy!

Long Whatton’s 4th wicket partnership was reaching a worrying level until the Hiller Sisters made a double breakthrough. Sam took a great catch at deep square to make the cheerleaders swoon still further. Tinno got in on the act pouching a fine swirling catch to take his ratio to 1 in 10 for the season.

Some other stuff happened and the innings closed at 173-9 with wickets shared around; Angry Hiller 3-56, Rocket 2-40, Day Hiller 2-49, AC 1-29.

Tea by the Rendu’s catered for all tastes. Spicy mango chutney and chicken wraps pleased the foodies, while extra jammy doughnuts kept the youth policy quiet. Tea tasted like Twinings rather than Tetleys out of the new KCC mugs.

In reply we got off to a great start. Beakey had been dropped from the Stiffs, and had a point to prove to the selectors, smashing 12 boundaries in a fine run a ball 60. The Postman was delivering at the other end as we raced to 70 without loss until Tinno holed out for 29. Tom was (less than) fresh after a week in Magaluf and was still in beach cricket mode smashing a long hop straight to mid wicket.

Drurs (23) and Beakey settled nerves, before both fell in quick succession to soft dismissals. Day Hiller hadn’t ever batted as high as no.7 even in back garden games against brother Andy and Tinno, but raced to 10 in just two shots, a flat-batted 6 to mid wicket being the shot of the day (to that point). He soon departed along with AC (4) to leave the visitors smelling an unlikely victory.

We needn’t have worried as Rocket (12*) dug in, and Sam went from hero to super-hero smashing an unbeaten 25, finishing with a fantastic straight 6 to seal a 19 point victory.

With Thrumpton slipping up, we’re back to 2nd in the table, with a table topping clash with Risley to follow in a fortnight.

Rain Stops Play

A complete wash out as heavy rain led to the abandonment of both games on Saturday.

Winner Takes All

Last Monday saw a disappointing first defeat of the season for the 13s, against Belvoir in the semi-final of the cup.

However, 3 days later it was business as usual. A return to Belvoir kept the league campaign on track in a good show of character.

With the home team batting first. Shepherd (3-1-5-0) Chamberlain (2-2-0-2) and Wilkins (2-0-5-2) all applied the squeeze as Belvoir were restricted to 18-5 off 8, with a reversed batting order.

Malik (2) Kitching, Brown and Cairns all chipped in with wickets. Kitching, Cairns and Brown all showed safe hands when required as the overall ground fielding was much improved.

Belvoir: 86-9 off 18.

Newell received the only good delivery in the opening 4 overs. 42 runs appeared on the board with only 13 of them coming off the bat, leaving the result never in doubt.

Nice played tidily for 23 before being caught in the covers. Chamberlain crafted an excellent 19 not out despite running in treacle while Shepherd (14*) crashed the winning runs with 7 overs to spare.

Keyworth 90-2 off 10.4

The win sees Keyworth join Fiskerton at the top of the league having both played 8 won 8. Both teams meet on Tuesday night away at Fiskerton for a winner takes all decider. 6pm start, the more supprt the merrier.

A summary of the other matches will follow (when school is out!). The U12s sit top of their league having won 4 out of 4, with 2 matches remaining. The U14s have been without a game for 5 weeks but kick start their final 6 games on Monday night against Kegworth at the Field of Dreams.

Firsts Back to Winning Ways

The Firsts won convincingly at the Fortress of Dreams against the visiting Bottesford team who only consisted of 10 players.

Iggy was the stand-in skipper with Tinpot at a wedding and vice skip Bobby Baker crocked. Keyworth won the toss and, after last week's dismal chase, went back to basics by batting first.

The Seconds didn't have a game so Chairman of Selectors Ted was able to wield the Flymo and cut out the chaff from last week's horror show. Our faith in youth continued with Cowlard, Leggy and Meeky called in to add experience. 15 year old Sam Wood was handed his First Team debut after a number of great displays for the 2nds, and to keep the average age of the side under 40.

Notable contributions to the 214-9 were Ian (66), Tom (44) who took his opportunity to bat up the order with some lovely strokes around the ground, Jamie (38), and Sam (13 in 15 balls) hitting a couple of beautiful shots off his legs and a cracking straight drive, and Dangerous Dave Hiller (21) up the order to 9, hitting a superb hooked 6 in the process with eyes fully shut.

Noticeable omissions were Meeky and AC (golden) who survived for 3 balls between them in an over that saw 3 wickets fall.

Bobby was fit enough to butter some bread, and produced a superb retro style plated salad. Such is the standard these days though, that Super-Scorer Shelly thought the tea would benefit from the addition of a few warm buttered new potatoes! Always room for improvement Rob! The crusty bread, homemade coleslaw and potato salad were the highlights.

In reply Bottesford were never in it, being 20/30 runs behind the rate throughout. Some late over slogging got them within 13, but in reality it was never that close; 201-8 at the finish.

Bowling points went to Dave Hiller (7-28-2) , Renders (10-29-2), Ian (12-30-2) and also Sam Wood who cemented an excellent day by taking his first wicket for the first team by knocking over middle stump in a hostile spell.

At one point Leggy was the best fielder on the off side... well he was the only fielder as Iggy bowled to his 8-1 field. Fielding point though went to Meeky who is still as agile as a cat getting down to the ball...it's just the getting up that's the problem!

Over to the Stiffs next week, as no game for the Firsts due to the Keyworth Show.