KMCC vs Helperby CC

 With inspirational Kirkby Captain Bradley Atkinson exhibiting his prize beef down at the Royal Show, Vice-Captain Richard "Sicknote" Hooks again unavailable and previous Captain James "Shedley" Marston still under the thumb and attending his second wedding of the season, Helperby might have thought that their visitors may be somewhat lacking in leadership qualities. Not a bit of it, for with veterans Iain Fraser and Rod "Methuselah" Pickles in their line-up, Kirkby still boasted players who between them had captained the side for over 30 years. It was Iain who temporarily re-took control, and as he did so it was like a throwback in time to Kirkby's glory days of the early 1990's when "Sergeant Fraser's Barmy Army" cast aside all before them in their triumphant march up the divisions.

 Initially however things did not look great as Fraser, not such an accomplished tosser as Bradley, called incorrectly and Kirkby were inserted on a track made decidedly "sporting" by the overnight rain. A fiery spell by Helperby's paceman Buchanan gave Kirkby's openers probably their most thorough examination of the season thus far. Just when it looked as if they had weathered the storm, the prolific pair of Nattrass and Brownlee were both dismissed in quick succession to leave Kirkby precariously placed at 22-2. Fielder and Harford-Cross then set about rebuilding the innings to good effect. However with the score at 89, Harford-Cross was unluckily given out caught behind to a ball that had brushed his cap on the way through to the keeper. Luckily for Harford-Cross the Anglo-Saxon expletives he uttered as he returned to the pavilion went unheard by his new captain as Fraser had re-introduced the same strict disciplinary procedures as in his previous regime and he had his brother, Duncan, again on hand to enthusiastically enforce them. This unfortunate dismissal signalled a mid-innings collapse and before long Kirkby were reduced to 131-6 although Kenny Fielder was holding firm. As this point experienced campaigner Peter Kirk played a perfect supporting role and helped Kirkby' overseas sensation mount a challenging total. At the start of the final over Fielder was on 85, but at the end of the over, which included 2 successive sixes into the cornfield, he was unbeaten on 104 and Kirkby had made 194-6. This first ton for the Mighty Malzeard was a proud and humbling moment for the plucky Australian. John Tuley was the most successful bowler for Helperby and his 3-46 demonstrated that he could still take wickets against Kirkby, as he did 10 years ago, this time without the assistance of his father's umpiring!!

 There was a commotion at the interval as feisty scorer Derek Weatherer manfully defended his team's honour as the Helperby supporters around him dismissed Kirkby as a one-man band. Reports of this soon reached the Kirkby bowlers and they were immediately fired-up to show that this was not the case. With plenty still in the pitch to help them the bowlers were immediately on top and a miserly opening spell of 10 overs for just 17 runs from Peter Kirk had Helperby well behind the required run rate. As they attempted to force the pace wickets began to tumble and the dismissal of their Captain, Dave Sowray, for 28 ended any real chance of a Helperby win. Only a late show of defiance from that man Tuley again (20 not out) held up the Kirkby bowlers, but they were not to be denied and Helperby were all out for just 88. Scorer Weatherer gleefully informed the Helperby supporters that as Kirkby had won by 106 runs they had not actually needed Fielder's 104. Duncan Fraser (4-29), Simon Blackburn (3-21), Paul Goldsmith (2-19) and Peter Kirk (1-17) shared the wickets.

 The 6 points for Kirkby keeps them right on the heels of leaders Pateley Bridge and all is set for a titanic clash of the top two at the KMCG next week. Please note that police may be imposing a crowd limit for safety reasons - book early to avoid disappointment!!