KMCC vs Ripley C.C.

KMCC bounce back against depleted Ripley

 On a dark overcast day, while England were thrashing the Aussies at Headingley, Shedley won the toss and elected to bat. Ripley were depleted to the extent that they played the first 10 overs of the game with only 8 men - until some unfortunate souls were either press ganged or extracted from the local hostelries to lay their bodies on the line against the mighty KMCC (who in the absence of Dujon to a month long stag weekend, and Bradley were also fielding the relatively experienced Rob Nicholson,12 and his mate Dan, 12 on debut). The Ripley attack quickly removed H-C beaten by lack of pace as KM chuntered slowly along always having to apply extra momentum to the ball to score runs - the freeserve speed gun never registering in excess of 8 mph. Fraser,I (the master of spin) made 12 singles before departing and in fact Fettes with a comfortable 76 made the only score of note.The traditional collapse ended with Nicholson (0no) batting for the first time - KM 180-8.

After tea - including some fantastic cheese and ham sandwiches - the Kirkby attack ensured that Ripley were never challenging for the score particularly once their Aussie and star bat had been dismissed for the second time. In fact all 6 points would have probably been gained had not Ripley played their secret weapon and sent the smallest person ever to play Nidderdale cricket (Keith excepted of course) in to see off the rampant Fraser,D - KMCC winning by 50 runs.

It should also be noted that KMCC's Australian fan base is now considerable for as the match wended its way to its natural conclusion (with 6 lights visible (just) on the scoreboard) the president arrived with a certain Mr M.Preston - who sent his regards to former visitors and founder members of the Australian KMCC supporters club - John and Gail Fitzhardinge.