KMCC vs Newby Hall C.C.

KMCC secure point and first division survival

 Against championship contenders, KMCC needed just one point to ensure survival and avoid a relegation play off the following week against lowly Bishop Thornton. On a fine, yet autumnal day, Newby won the toss and surprisingly inserted KMCC on what looked like a good batting strip. Overcoming the early loss of Kiffer Nattress, Kenny Fielder, 56no, batting with a tear in his eye in his last innings at the KMCG and Harford-Cross, 56 put on a century parntership to take Kirkby to the brink of survival. A conservative approach in the final ten overs ensured that there was no fluttering of hearts and no late order collapse but also prevented a possible run feast and KMCC left the field at tea with heads held high after a job well done, 157-5 was sufficient to secure the required batting point and enable the KMCC contingent to enjoy their final tea of the year at the KMCG.

 For KMCC the Newby innings was a sideshow to the main celebrations, in stark contrast Newby were desperate to keep their title charge on track. As a consequence, the usual KMCC grit was slightly diluted and Newby's class told as they eased themselves to a seven wicket victory. A rare instance of both teams leaving the field happy with their days work. To maintain their status for a second year the same determination will be required by KMCCs heroic journeymen.