KMCC hold off Ripley challenge
Seasonal downpours on Friday night nearly put paid to the fixture of the day in the Nidderdale league as the two teams setting the early pace met head to head - However, the doughty Pickles silage bag ensured that the wicket was playable much to the chagrin of certain Ripley players. Their appetite for the battle ahead was soon whetted as their captain won the toss and inserted KMCC. It was a decision that proved correct since wickets fell steadily from one end whilst Iain "master of the wet" Fraser (62no) drew upon all 30 years of his experience to carry his bat for the full 40 overs. Some lusty blows from Duncan F and Richard "Elmer" Hooks enabled Kirkby to scramble to what seemed a par score of 138-8.
The scene was set for a battle in the second innings and so it proved as the pendulum swung in one direction and then the next. A couple of early wickets enabled KMCC to prevent a dash to victory and then key partnerships by the Ripley middle order hauled the match back in their favour - however with wickets falling and two key run outs coupled with super tight bowling by the big three strike bowlers R Hooks(0-32), D Fraser(3-26) and P Goldsmith(3-42) and a wicket in "The Generals" four over burst the game remained on a knife edge. The last over arrived with Ripley requiring a meagre 6 runs for victory but only 2 wickets in hand. Duncan struck second ball and as the over reached its conclusion 3 runs were required from the last ball ten and jack at the crease. However, Duncan kept his head and although contact was made, a cool(ish) head from Elmer and Dujon put an end to the Ripley challenge. Final score 136-9 and a fifth successive victory for KMCC.