KMCC vs Bolton Abbey C.C.

KMCC hold nerve in thrilling table topper

 This was a tale of two tails. In the first instance KMCC were happy to be inserted on a fine day and hard wicket at the KMCG but then steadily collapsed with a range of poor shots to 81-5. There followed a brief renaissance as Dujon, interspersed his attacking shots with defensive slogs and put on a quick fire 39 with Duncan. However, when the opening bowler returned it proved one huge swipe too far for the unlucky Dujon, who murmured the apology to his captain "Sorry, I tried to defend but I couldn't help trying to smash it out of the ground". A couple of wickets later and the writing looked on the wall at 130-8 but in the battle for a score, Goldie opened his stance a pummelled a couple of sixes before falling LBW. A point looked secure as the last over was entered but sadly Duncans long vigil ended LBW on 36 with only 3 balls to spare and Bolton Abbey savoured their tea contemplating a good day in the field. KMCC 168 all out.

 The Bolton Abbey top order looked assured in their pursuit of such a meagre total despite a couple of early wickets (after Mayo was inexplicably given not out following a direct hit when stranded out of his ground). Once again however the KMCC bowlers were able to keep it tight and prevent any easy runs. Ken Fielder bowling to a 7-2 offside field for his 2-29 in the middle overs bowled magnificently but nonetheless at 127-4 and only five an over required the game seemed up. Calling on a man with 80 years cricketing experience is a luxury available to few captains but not to Brad who introduced the evergreen Pickles as a last throw of the dice. A magnificent stumping by the quiet and self effacing Dujon at last gave KMCC hope. Again the match swung in Bolton's favour as Duncan was smitten for a six and a four in his last over - but used to this kind of treatment he responded with two wickets in successive balls and the game was afoot. The remainder of the Bolton tail crumbled away to Pickles and Goldsmith and when Shedley, returning from self-imposed exile, scooped the final catch the Kirkby faithful were in raptures and the promotion battle was joined in earnest. Bolton Abbey 147 all out.