KMCC vs Darley C.C.

KMCC finish roller coaster on a high

 KMCC arrived at a windswept DCG with a depleted bowling attack missing Duncan, Armer, Kirk and Hooks with only 9 men and unaware of the topsy turvey match that was to follow. An afternoon of toil looked as if it might be on the cards when the talented Furness was missed in the first over as Rod steamed in from the sheep field end and Bird was missed an over later. Hope and a wicket was raised by a sharp piece of fielding from Iain, running out Furness by yards after an inexplicable call. Following the run out the innings settled and Darley looked set for a decent total at 111-3 despite wickets from Fielder and Blackburn. It was then that the madness started again, KMCC strengthened by the late arrival of Alan Brownlee, took 5-17 including two further wickets for Fielder (3-36), an quicksilver stumping by Dujon and an amazing catch in the covers from Tufnell with his eyes closed and back turned as a long hop from Nattress was slammed at him. When Roberts attempted a second run, following further mayhem caused by the softly spoken KMCC keeper, and was run out by a direct hit the Darley innings appeared all but over at 128-8. KMCC had not banked on probably the best no. 10 in the league coming out and smashing them round the ground for a couple of overs as Pattison tested the outfielders ball finding skills to the limit. He finally sucumbed with less than three overs remaining and it appeared that Darley had settled for a point as they refused any further opportunities for a run - that is until the last ball of the innings when the no.11 finally ran out of patience called for a quick leg bye and was run out to see the innings closed on 187.

 KMCCs innings got off to an inauspicious start with H-C bowled from a shooter second ball however the in form Nattress, 25 and Fielder 21 gave the innings a base before both fell in quick succession to leave the innings teetering on 50-3. Fraser and Brownlee added 40 and then Brad and Dujon added impetus before succumbing as Kirkby chased 7 an over for the last 10. Brownlee playing in conditions that he is used to following his Northern Irish upbringing cajoled the score ever onwards and recorded 53no on his League debut. It was Goldie who had the crowd roaring however, when with 18 required from the final 2 overs he smashed 3 sixes from consecutive balls to secure victory in a match of surreal proportions.