KMCC record first victory
Missing Charles, Dujon, Gouty and new star all-rounder Phil, Kirkby were depleted though certainly not dispirited going into their bottom of the table clash against Pateley Bridge. On winning the toss it was re-assuring to see Rodney back in his rightful role opening the innings. With "Cat" also opening and Iain at number 3 the initial thoughts were that Kirkby had decided to bat in age order !! Unfortunately Rodney's renaissance was cruelly cut short by another of those dubious LBW decisions that seem to have been going against KMCC all season. However with Iain (66) in defiant mood, cameos from Hooksy, Bradley (I think - it may have been Wooky) and Duncan and with Robin blocking out the final ball to ensure a point, Kirkby posted a useful if not daunting 192-9.
In Pateley's reply Goldie claimed the prize wicket of Colin Chadwick just as he was starting to look dangerous, but at 60-1 the game was swaying towards the visitors. A steady fall of wickets however turned the game around and "Cat" dancing down the wicket arms aloft in celebration of his first cuccessful LBW shout in England had the crowd of Shedley, Dujon and Rob Hutch (on a Nondies scouting mission) in raptures. Unfortunately the crowd's mood quickly turned sour when a blatant run out was not given. Captain Bradley ("he was xxxxxxx yards out") and "Cat" (his cards now well and truly marked following his outburst at Birstwith) were admonished by the umpire for their over vigorous protests. All was well however as more wickets fell, including a stumping by stand-in keeper Wooky, leaving Pateley clinging on to a point and Kirkby celebrating their first ever Division 1 success. Is this to be the start of a run of wins and a return to the glory days at the KMCG?
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