KMCC vs Raskelf C.C.

KMCCs first visit to Raskelf proves a success

 With Division 2 leaders Pateley Bridge's home match washed out, Kirkby made their first ever trip to Raskelf knowing that victory would see them close the gap at the top of the table. Champion tosser Bradley Atkinson called correctly yet again and with the possibility of rain interruptions, he had no hesitation in asking the home side to bat. For Raskelf's danger man, Albert Aurelius, Atkinson strategically positioned himself at long-off and Albert immediately obliged by hitting the ball straight down his throat. Inexplicably however Kirkby's captain spilled the chance and an afternoon of chasing leather looked to be on the cards. Fortunately for Kirkby Albert repeated the shot in the next over and this time, with Bradley safely out of harms way, Ken "Yabbie" Fielder clung on to the ball. Shortly afterwards Mike Armer struck with his first ball and at 30-2 Raskelf were up against it. A solid partnership between Matthew Sigsworth and Neil Lawson gradually dragged them back into the match and at 105-2 a score in the region of 175 looked likely. At this point Bradley played his final ace and threw the ball to his most experienced bowler, Rod "The Rocket" Pickles. Using all his mastery of flight and guile, Rodney quickly dismissed Sigsworth (42) and with Fielder dismissing Lawson (41) thanks to a sharp catch by Nattrass the bowlers were back on top. Pickles (3-20) and Kielder (3-22) took Kirkby to the brink of a bowling point but George Pierce safely negotiated the final overs to see Raskelf close on 128-9.

 After tea, for the first time in a couple of seasons, Iain Fraser opened the batting for Kirkby and when Pallister served up a juicy full toss first ball, Fraser must have thought it was going to be his day. Unfortunately for him, the friendliness of the ball took him completely by surprise and all he succeeded in doing was patting back a gentle catch to the bowler. When Fielder sliced the second ball of the innings straight over the slips, Kirkby knew that they were going to be made to work hard to knock off their seemingly modest target. However Fielder and Nattrass then knuckled down sensibly and progressed the score to 52 before Fielder (34) was dismissed. Nattrass (19) and Duncan Fraser (14) soon followed and at 79-4 the game was far from over. At this point however Captain Bradley strode to the wicket bristling with intent. Shortly afterwards having struck 3 huge sixes and 4 fours he was unbeaten on 38 and with Armer contributing a solid 10 not out the target had been reached. Pateley's lead at the top of the table had been successfully reduced to 4 points and with Bolton Abbey also rained off, Kirkby had increased their advantage over the third placed team to 6 points.