Fraser exacts sweet revenge as KMCC are promoted to the first division
A match identified as a huge bananaskin in Kirkby's run in against a Burton side who had thumped KMCC in the corresponding fixture earlier in the season began in farce as virtually the entire Burton squad arrived late resulting in Bradley stepping in as a supersub in the field to make up the numbers. The Kirkby innings started with a quick wicket but was then followed by a rapid 50 partnership between the veterans of the side Fraser and Pickles and although Pickles was then dispatched for only 8, and Dujon for his fourth consecutive duck ensuring that he will win silverware in KMCC colours for the first time, the scoring progressed steadily as Tudbury, eventually dismissed for 39 and Fraser took the score well past triple figures. Just as the innings looked set for a final assault a flurry of wickets including the big hitters Atkinson and D Fraser left KMCC teetering on 185-6. However the devastating blows exchanged by Iain as he rampaged to an undefeated 125no and Elmer Hooks 39no, putting on 70 in the last seven overs, took KMCC to the healthy looking position of 255-6 at tea.
The Burton batting had flourished at the BLCG and once again they appeared to be reeling the game in as Eustace smashed the opening bowlers to all parts. RH was brought on in time to nip his innings in the bud and in tandem with Rodney some degree of order was restored - at 137-2 however at the half way mark the game was firmly in the balance. Bradley shuffling his bowlers like an expert poker hustler ruffed Burtons ace bringing back Duncan into the attack from the top end. Duncan struck in his first over and in the next Iain dived like a spring chicken to catch dangerman Crawshaw on the boundary off Pickles. The lower order quickly fell away with Duncan resurrecting his figures to finish with 4-47 as Burton crumbled to 153 all out. The six points gained ensure first division cricket for KMCC in their final home game of the season. The KMCG has once again proved to be a happy hunting ground with the team undefeated at home all season. Seven points from the remaining two games will guarantee the title with Ripon and Galphay still to come.