KMCC vs Darley C.C.

Darley defeat ensures nail biting end to the season

 On another hot sunny day at the KMCG, the Kirkby supporters were again out in force in anticipation of another dominant display from their heroes against mid-table Darley. With Master Groundsman Ernest Ellis insisting "it's a 250 plus track pal", home captain Bradley Atkinson had no hesitation in electing to bat first as he once again won the toss. The Kirkby faithful eagerly sat back and awaited the run-fest to begin. The first murmurs of discontent were heard as Darley seamer Chris Gill had both openers Nattrass & Goldsmith back in the pavilion with only 30 runs on the board. At first this appeared to be just a hiccup as Fielder (40) and Fraser (21) steadily progressed the score to 79-2. However when both these batsmen fell in quick succession to good catches off the bowling of Crispin the Kirkby innings quickly subsided to a low of 127-7. Only an excellent unbeaten 8th wicket partnership between Brownlee (54*) and Kirk (22*) took Kirkby to the respectability of 183-7 at tea. Pete Crispin 4-55 was the pick of the Darley bowlers.

 When Darley batted, Kirkby needed quick wickets or some tight bowling in order to put the batsmen under pressure. As it happened they got neither as Chris Gill blasted a rapid 35 to give the visitors a flying start. Upon his dismissal, man of the match Pete Crispin (73*) and Furness (48) proved Ellis's earlier assessment of the pitch to be accurate as they shared an untroubled century partnership, broken only by the unfortunate run out of Furness. The final 8 wicket defeat was a crushing blow to Kirkby's promotion prospects but they remain in second place. However they can be under no illusions and they know that there can be no further lack lustre displays like this or it will surely mean Division 2 cricket at the KMCG again next year.