Kirkby Victorious!!!
Towler Cup Final-Match Report
05/07/99
On a day of Torrential Rain, Twisters and Flash Floods it looked very unlikely that this great occasion would take place.
On arrival at Newton le Willows, home of the much coveted Towler Cup, the clouds loomed heavy above and the threat of rain was never far from either sides mind.
The opposition (Newton le Willows CC) had organised this prestigious event since 1934 and every year thereafter. With the exception of a few dark years when young men of the villages had other duties Which they did not shy from (1939-46)
The match was a real nail biter.
Newton le Willows dug deep to reach 100+ off the first 16 overs. This was a good reflection on Kirkby's opening bowling from Goldsmith and Blackburn, as the pitch is to say the least small. Unfortunately a panic stricken decision from our obviously nerve racked Captain saw Blackburn replaced by Fettes (The Big CHEESE). On such a wet wicket the rest of the team questioned this move, a leg spinner? The last four overs? Has he finally lost it?
The team's fears were correct and the unfortunate Fettes was carted all over the park in a flurry of sixes. This left Kirkby with a mammoth 132 to win from the allotted 20 overs.
The KMCC are never daunted by large totals! in fact we are more than used to them!
Dibley and Cheese opened the attack, it was sad to say the Dibble scratched a measly 15 or so off the first ten overs whilst a frustrated Fettes was beaten trying to hesh! This was no bad reflection on Mark who was really only trying to get the run rate above 0.2 per over.
Dibley was finally out(Much to the relief of the rest of the team) Fraser put in a solid thrash and at the half way stage we needed 90 runs off ten overs.
Enter THE RFL RUMBLE
Brad and Goldie put Kirkby within sight of victory with an astounding display of Agricultural shots (Cow Corner being the favourite).
Brad was notable for his 27 runs off ten balls!!!!!!!!
Brad skied one and was caught on the boundary and was followed into the clubhouse by Goldie in the last over.
KMCC were on the ropes.
The last ball off the innings required a four or more for victory. Captain Shedley to face???
??the bowler slung one down that was slightly leggish??.. Shedley swung?..and as he opened his eyes the ball hit the deck and rolled for four. Victory was complete the KMCC had bagged their first trophy of the year.
In this moment of glory and disbelief we must take stock and remember.
WE ARE NOT AS CRAP AS WE THINK!.
KMCC now in Three semi finals one quarter final and top of the Evening League...We could end up with more cups than a lingerie shop!