KMCC grasp the title with both hands
The unthinkable occurred at the Ripon Cricket Ground on Saturday as KMCC won the second division title with a game in hand. The only pressure on high flying KMCC was imposed by themselves knowing that 6 points would be enough. Bradley lost the toss and Ripon decided to bat - it proved to be a good toss to lose as immediately the autumn showers started converting a batsman's paradise into a minefield. Amid the rain breaks KMCC huffed and puffed and at times star man Hooks appeared to have one eye on the rugby going on in the neighbouring field. However, firstly Gouty and latterly Goldie returning from holidays claimed 3 wickets apiece to restrict the relegation doomed Ripon side to a mere 114-8.
After Rod was despatched in the first over KMCC made light and yet uninspiring work of the victory target Fraser, 54no and Harford-Cross, 50no grafting their way to the victory target with few alarms although after 75 runs had been posted no boundaries had been hit - this was in part due to the saturated thickly grassed outfield and in part to the no risks approach taken by the Kirkby batsmen. When the winning runs were struck it just left the incoming news that Ripley had failed to complete their fixture to filter along the Nidderdale league grapevine before the title celebrations could begin in earnest.