A tie brings elusive win closer
In the match of the season KMCC conspired to tie with Birstwith in a match that either side could have won. Birstwith won the toss and elected to bat and KM nearly struck immediately as their Aussie clipped the ball to Iain just behind square however the chance went begging and it looked like the price for the drop might be significant as he began to hit the ball to all parts. However just when he looked to have hit his stride he took one liberty too many against the experience of Duncan and was caught pulling at midwicket. Kirkby then maintained their discipline, boosted by the return of Hooksy in KM colours (behind the stumps and still not fully recovered from his cruciate surgery), and with Cat in fine form Birstwith were unable to take a grip on the game. However, just as 180 seemed like a reasonable total for Birstwith KMCCs grip of the game was wrested from them and despite a 5 wicket haul by Gouty's Wakefield Import, Phil Callaghan, they blasted their way to the imposing total of 210-9 at tea.
The early loss of C H-C and subsequent outrageous dismissal of the Cat who was in fine form didn't dampen Kirkby's spirits however and despite the semi regular fall of wickets the runs kept coming at the desired rate, Iain, Phil, Hooksy and Brad all contributed before succumbing and with three overs remaining KMCC required 32 runs with 2 wickets in hand and Goldie and Dave Tudbury at the crease. Dave sweetly dispatched one six into the adjoining field and then with seven balls remaining and 15 required Goldie pummelled the Birstwith opener over midwicket to leave 9 required from six balls. A dot ball and a scrambled single saw Goldie on strike, however it appeared that the game was up when he tried one big shot too many and was bowled. Gouty strode to the wicket with 8 runs required and 3 balls remaining. Undaunted he smashed his first ball for four and then thought he'd won it for KMCC striking the ball to long off - skipping for joy until the ball was cut off and a second was scrambled. 209-9 with one ball to spare - the gouty magic didn't quite pay off for a third time as he played and missed but a scrambled bye secured the tie and three points.
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