Keyworth Cricket Club

Pre Season Nets

2012-02-13T21:40:00.001Z

KCC Winter Nets begin on Tuesday 21st February at Trent Bridge in the Hadlee Hall at 8-9pm. We have a lane booked every Tuesday night until 10th April. £3 for adults, £2 for juniors."

New Website

2012-01-15T08:37:00.002Z

We're upgrading our website for the start of the 2012 season. Updates may be a little patchy here until we're up and running.

Mary Hinchliffe

2011-12-21T17:01:00.001Z

It is with fond memory and sadness to share that Mary Hinchliffe passed away on Saturday 17th December aged 96.

Fellow KCC legend, and grandson, Stuart Meek says; "it was a pity she did not have one more swing of the bat to get her to her 100, but she had a great knock anyway".

The Funeral service will take place on Monday 9th January 2012 at 12.00 mid-day at Wilford and the 'wake' at a venue to be confirmed.

Mary loved her Cricket as many of you know, and was the doyen of all 'tea ladies'. With her cheery smile she made many friends over the long time she was associated with the club. She was one of our Honorary Life Vice Presidents having had a husband, son, father, grandfather, brother, cousins, nephews, grandsons and grandsons-in-law all playing for KCC. Some achievement!

Mary was also well known to many villagers from her time serving customers at Pike's Greengrocers on Debdale Lane. Born into the dynasty of the sporting Keyworth family of Pikes, Mary was the daughter of Edgar Pike, an outstanding Keyworth wicket keeper from 1899 to 1929 and the grand-daughter of Andrew Pike who also played for the club back in the 1800s.

Mary married Tommy Hinchliffe a professional footballer with Grimsby Town, Huddersfield Town, Derby County, Nottingham Forest and of course Keyworth United, and much like their grandson 'Meeky' was an aggressive batsman who loved hitting a six. Tommy died in 1978 leaving Mary a widow for a long time.

Their son, John Hinchliffe, quite naturally also played cricket and football for Keyworth as indeed have Meeky and his cousins Richard and Steve Thomas. To that, add former Forest, Mansfield Town, Chelsea and Northampton Town goalkeeper Kevin Hitchcock who married Fiona, Meeky's sister, and in 1988 set the club individual batting record with 165 not out, an innings in the family tradition that included twelve sixes.

Mary will remain forever part of the history of Keyworth Cricket Club and a person who did much to welcome the wives and families of the players, and encourage a healthy social atmosphere within the club.

Barry Baker
President - Keyworth CC

Tidings of Joy

2011-12-20T19:45:00.001Z

A new trophy cabinet is top of the KCC Christmas List. Captain Tinno led the boys to win the Monday Night Sportivate Indoor League. Well done to the team: Dave Hiller-Sister, Benji, Liam, Butch, See-Soar, Tommy Randall and Rob Williams.

Mick White

2011-11-16T20:29:00.001Z

Very sad to report that Mick White passed away earlier this week.

Mick was a true KCC legend, looking after the Field of Dreams as our Groundsman for over 30 years, and creating a surface that was the envy of many a visiting side.

Mick became a Vice President in 1981 and for a number of years was one of our Honorary Vice Presidents.

His funeral will take place at Wilford Hill on Friday 25th November at 3.20 pm

Our thoughts are with Mick's family and friends.

Winners

2011-11-15T20:40:00.000Z

The First picked up a full house of Division D awards on Friday night at Cotgrave Welfare. Skipper Tinno collected the League Trophy, the only thing he hasn't dropped all season.

Bobby and Iggy collected the bowling and batting average awards, but were too busy arguing about the relative size of their trophies to pose for photos.

The usual gourmet feast was devoured by the KCC fatties. A welcome introduction was warm potatoes to complement the traditional cold meat platter.

Season End Celebrations

2011-10-29T16:14:00.000Z

Over 70 players, parents and supporters celebrated the success of our 2011 season at our Presentation Evening on Friday evening.

We were grateful to have Notts CCC and England U19s star Jake Ball on hand to present the Junior awards.

Club Awards
Club Person of the Year - Simon Tuckwell
Frank Palmer Outstanding Performance - Rob Beake
Alan Copson 6 Hits - Ian Graham

1st Team - South Notts Division D Winners
Player of Season - Simon Tuckwell
Batting Award - Rich Drury
Bowling Award - Rob Baker
Fielding Award - Ben Elliott
Champagne Moment - Simon Tuckwell

2nd Team
Player of Season - Rob Beake

Batting Award - Rob Beake

Bowling Award - Liam Elliott

Fielding Award - Sam Nice

Champagne Moment - Liam Savage

Junior Awards
Barry Baker Junior Player of Year Award - Tom Blacklock
John Cottee Junior Clubman Award - Pete Hennessy

Under14s

Batting Award - Ben Healey
Bowling Award - Dominic Steiner
Fielding Award - Harry Normington
Champagne Moment - Harry Normington
Most Improved Player - Isaac Brown

Under 13s - Newark Colts League Winners

Batting Award - Tom Newell

Bowling Award - George Flewitt

Fielding Award - Tom Blacklock

Champagne Moment - Jack Cairns

Most Improved Player - Jack Cairns

Under 12s - Newark Colts League Winners

Batting Award - Tom Blacklock

Bowling Award - Jack Phoenix
Fielding Award - Joe Baines

Champagne Moment - Miles Chamberlain

Most Improved Player - Miles Chamberain

Thanks also to our friends at Keyworth United FC for allowing us to hold our event at the new Platt Lane pavilion.

Championship Celebrations

2011-09-12T18:01:00.000Z

Two opportunities for your diaries to celebrate our League Title:

KCC Senior and Junior Presentation Evening
Friday October 28th, new Platt Lane Pavilion, 7.30pm

SNCL Presentation Night
Friday November 11th, Cotgrave Welfare,

Goal Of The Season

2011-09-07T18:47:00.001Z

News reaches us of an early contender for Goal of the Season. A 45 yard lob no less from our very own Rob Beake playing against his beloved Spurs in a charity match back home.

http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/legends-latest-060911.html

Championship Thriller

2011-09-04T12:25:00.008Z

What an amazing day, as the Firsts secured promotion and then the League title.

Tinno was able to select a strong side on paper for the trip along the A52 to Bottesford but, as usual, there were plenty of walking wounded. Strongy claimed he was about three weeks away from fitness, but was given little sympathy from Drurs; “that’s about two weeks ahead of where I am every week!”. Friday’s Golf Day had also taken its toll, especially the Chef’s Pie, which was threatening to run through the Millers’ top order, more effectively than the home side’s attack. Tuckers had made it in just before 3am, but was still angling for 40 winks under Bottesford’s new covers.

Benji was a notable and controversial absentee, thinking with his trousers rather than his head, sacrificing a shot at a promotion medal for a dressage rosette.

Rendu’s First Law of Cricket states that he who lives closest to the away ground will always arrive last. And so it proved as The Rocket sped in at 1.20 with just time to get changed, put his trousers on the right way round, and take the new ball.

All was soon going to plan as Rocket and the new DJ Sammy reduced the home side to 11-3; Sam sending an off stump cart-wheeling and Tom taking a smart catch behind. Bobby made the next breakthroughs to peg the home side back further to 62-5. Both were caught by Drurs, one a tracer missile that was still rising. Some good hitting halted our progress until Tuckers took an astonishing catch on the boundary, feet inside the line, but hands over, somehow managing to keep his balance. Bobby nipped out a couple more and at 103-8 we were well on top to the delight of the large travelling away support.

However, the pressure of taking all 10 wickets was beginning to show with all manner of tantrums and dropped catches. Bobby was trying to tinker with Iggy’s field, which as usual had been set by protractor and compass. IG was sent sulking to fine leg, Day Hiller’s chin was around his knees after bowling a wide, and Rocket was steaming as we completely lost track of which batsman we were allowing to take a single. With so many egos to manage, Tinno did the sensible things and disappeared to the long-on boundary to let the other would-be captains sort it out for themselves.

In fairness, Bottesford’s no.5 marshalled the tail brilliantly on the way to a fine unbeaten 85. The last over arrived with one wicket still required, and Rocket delivered a great leg stump yorker to secure the final bowling point... little did we realise how valuable this would turn out to be. Back-page Bobby stole the headlines with 5-43, supported by Sam 2-21, Rocket 2-31 and Day 1-43. The home side’s 177 felt about 50 below par, given the docile pitch, but about 50 too many, given our dismal track record of chasing small totals.

The final entrant for KCC Mastertea 2011 was solid but not spectacular. Egg mayonnaise cobs were the highlight, but any kind of fruit and veg would have been a bonus. Looking back... Long Whatton (Grandma’s recipe Marmalade cake), Southwell (thick sliced gammon cobs), and Willoughby (plated salad and baguettes) were all contenders, but nothing came close to Caribs’ banquet that had the Skip and Chairman drooling on a visit to watch the Stiffs. First round exits went to Bramcote’s outside caterers, and the Youth Policy’s Bob The Builder pasta shapes. Most unlucky was Tom who had to eat chilli for a full fortnight after being rained off when it was his turn. The Skipper’s retro highlight was haslet sandwiches at Bridgfordians, though whether he realised he was eating rolled pig’s head is open to question.

Back to less important on field matters. Bradman was in a bristling mood, irked by only appearing in the ‘also batted’ column in the averages through lack of appearances. IG quickly brought up his 50, with Dale on 2 at the other end off 3 balls. XX went for XI with the score on 67. Dropping IG once is a mistake, but twice is criminal, and Bottesford’s butter fingers ended the game for them as a contest. Another wicket looked unlikely until the Postman amazingly missed a full toss and was out LBW for 18. The Chairman couldn’t get eye contact from the Skipper on the way in, who knew that a red-inker would see Drurs to the top of the mere-mortals’ averages.

Iggy was playing a different game and cruised to another century. Drurs tempted his partner with the thought of a red-inker, but the one-man-team was dismissive; “sorry Drurs, I’m not bothered about a not out, I’m going to have some fun”, and promptly smashed 16 off an over; “they can’t bowl that filth at me and hope to get away with it!”. Drurs took matters into his own hands, hitting the winning boundary, to end on 15, leaving Bradman unbeaten on 116 off 99 balls, to average 97.83 for the season, if only it were to count!

With 20 points in the bag, promotion secured, and a barrel of Somerset scrumpy to slurp, we nervously awaited news of the Risley v Bridgfordians match. Drurs had sent Superjude on a scouting mission to Stamford Road and the omens were not looking good. At 5.30 the covers were on and no cars were to be seen... we deduced that Risley must have won easily against a Bridgford side with nothing to play for? Super Scorer Shelley checked with the League only to find that the game was actually being played at Risley!

The Senior Pros de-camped to the Chairman’s living room, which felt like the Green Room at the Eurovision Song Contest, anxiously waiting for the results from the Derbyshire jury. A text arrived ... 19pts to Risley. Good for us, bad for us? Confusion reigned, laptops were fired up, websites consulted, calculators primed, sums checked and double checked. Finally we were certain, Champions by 0.06 of a point!!

Onwards to The Sal where once again we showed that although we’re terrible losers, we’re even better winners. Though memories of the night will probably be as cloudy as the barrel of Somerset cider that Rocket donated behind the bar.

Congratulations and commiserations to Risley, it was a fantastic end to the season. We continue our yo-yo journey C-C-B-A-B-C-C-D-C much like one of Mr Tuckwell’s year 5 music lessons on the recorder.

T20

2011-08-28T08:23:00.004Z

Our annual T20 Club Day takes place on Bank Holiday Monday. A Junior T10 game will precede the main T20 match.

Licensed bar, BBQ and more. All the fun starts from 1pm at the Field of Dreams.

Field Of Mud

2011-08-27T19:34:00.003Z

Tinno had a sense of deja vu as his pitch inspection resembled his trip to the Leeds Festival the previous day. Sadly the Firsts home game to Bramcote was called off.

Stiffs In A Spin

2011-08-27T19:00:00.008Z

With the Firsts rained off, The Postman and Chairman made their way to Carrington Caribs, via Trumpton, happy in the knowledge that the Stiffs were on the verge of posting a big score batting first. Sadly 60-2 on departure had turned to 73-8 on arrival as Caribs young spinner ripped through our middle order.

All out for 75 was about 50 short of a half decent score.Tea was without doubt the highlight of the day, and perhaps the season.

An enormous fruit platter was the 5-a-day centrepiece with juicy melon slices, joining kiwi fruit and freshly cored pineapple. Not to be outdone the cake tray sagged under the weight of retro angel cake and coffee sponge. The Youth Policy were also satiated with pizza slices and sweet popcorn. Leggy stocked up on Starburst and Parma Violets from the sweet tray to keep him going for the reply. A 10/10 was denied only by the absence of celery and dips.

Sam and Liam bowled tightly keeping the young openers to only 15 off the intial 10 overs. Liam made the breakthrough hitting leg stump, then Beakey made a great leg side stumping off Big Ted, appealing to our square leg fielder as the umpire had wandered almost to leg slip!

A scoreboard discrepancy nearly turned into an international incident, with Leggy wagging his finger like Shakoor Rana, as frustrations boiled over.

The odd run didn't matter as Caribs sent in their big hitter to finish the contest quickly, smashing three massive sixes off Benji, off good balls!

Toss Crucial In 14's Season Finalé

2011-08-25T20:43:00.002Z

Gedling won the toss and decided to bat first at the Field of Dreams, needing to beat Keyworth to keep alive their hopes of winning the Notts Youth League Under 14 title and began cautiously scoring only 39 runs off the first ten overs thanks to good length and line bowling by Ben Healey (4 overs 1 for 13) and Issac Brown (4 overs 0 for 14).

Gedling’s star opener began to hit out and was retired on 51 yet during this Tom Rock from the KCC Under 12s bowled a 4 over spell up the hill in very tidy fashion, finishing with 1 for 15 and Gedling progressed to a total of 102 for 4 wkts at the end of their 20 overs, a total thought to be within the compass of Keyworth’s ability.

Harry Normington and Sam Machin matched Gedling off the first ten overs scoring 44 runs but the light was fading fast and they were having difficulty getting their shots past the alert opponents in the field. Both perished on 16 attempting to up the run rate and although Ben Healey (11), Zack Tudor (7) & Issac Brown (6) did manage to see the ball enough to strike some runs a ‘miners helmet with a lamp’ would have been more helpful than cricket helmets as all the lower order struggled to sight the ball and the run chase petered out on 81 runs for 9 wickets.

If the toss had gone the other way, Keyworth would surely have made Gedling fight for the precious points but there were many erstwhile performances to end a highly productive and promising season.

Postman Tons Up As Firsts Deliver 300

2011-08-21T20:42:00.003Z

Absentees this week were Drurs, desperately trying to find Radio 4 LW in France, Strongy, still suffering from his groin injury, and Jay, probably out for the season with knee ligament damage from last week.

Keyworth welcomed back Degsy for an unexpected cameo and Bobby Baker, back from his 8week mid-season sabbatical.

The Field of Dreams wicket resembled a Calcutta dust bowl, and the Southwell skipper didn’t hesitate to insert the hosts after winning the toss, a decision which meant a long afternoon chasing the ball around in the sun.

XX and IG opened up, hoping to bat more than a couple of overs together – not something they had done so far this season. Dale kept his part of the bargain, but IG soon departed for unlucky 13, miscuing a drive high to mid-off. Skipper Tinno came in to put on a 106 run partnership before DC (65 off 80 balls) edged one behind at 126-2 off 24. Benji then came in and quite literally took the attack apart (64 in 39 balls including 5 sixes), with the undulating KCC outfield proving too difficult for the visiting fielders to cope with in the 104 run partnership. At the other end the normally cultured Tinno was in the 80’s and resorting to horrible slogs to keep up with Ben. He reached his deserved hundred before finishing on 111* (113 balls), with the firsts posting a massive 305-7 at the break. It’s also worth mentioning that Sam Wood’s mates and his dad had a good laugh at him when he got caught out by the girl fielding for the opposition.

Tea was a strong contender for Mastertea 2011, with Tuckers and Mrs Tuckers pulling out all the stops. It was a fine effort, with gherkin being an inspired addition to the tuna mayo open sarnies. The fruit platter was fit for a king, with watermelon being the taste of summer and the mother-in-law’s cake a chocolaty treat. With our Greg Wallace (Drurs) off duty it was left to a committee decision to award the tea 9/10, with Tuckers £1 short from a perfect 10, with no dips being a schoolboy error.

In reply young Sam elbowed Rendu out of the way to get hold of the new ball down the hill, and he immediately struck to bowl the visitor’s skipper in his first over. The KCC spinners were chomping at the bit to see how much they could get it to turn on the sub-continental surface.

Fielding point went to Degsy whose Opta index stats clocked up over 10km’s and took a great catch in the deep to end the Southwell opening bat’s attempt to knock off the runs single-handed (hitting 50 out of the first 60 from 45 balls).
Bobby bowled like he’d never been away, and took a wicket in his first over, before mopping up the tail with 5 for 37 off 11, three of which were LBW’s given by Dimps, a feat never seen before in KCC history.

The 20 points kept the Millers top of the league with 2 games remaining. Still all to play for at the business end of the season, but the right end of the table for a change this year.

Run In

2011-08-14T11:03:00.003Z

With three to play, here are the remaining fixtures at the right and wrong end of the tables....

Basement Battle

2011-08-13T20:50:00.000Z

Sadly the Stiffs slumped to another defeat at home to Lambley. Just a few years ago we were playing Lambley's 2nd team, but now up against their 1sts, the gulf in class was too big for our young side.

We batted first and mustered 79. We were struggling once we lost Ernie and run machine Beakey for single figures. Paul 'One-Gets-Two' Lay battled well for an unbeaten 29 but ran out of partners.

Duncan's tea was a tale similar to the loaves and the fishes. Boss Hogg was most concerned that just three trays of sandwiches wouldn't go round, especially given his own appetite, but the Lambley boys weren't hungry, and there was more than enough for seconds.

We tried hard in the field but could only take one wicket as Lambley eased to victory.

We stay out of the relgation places, but only just. We face a key basement battle next week as we travel to Yorkshire to play at Edingley.

Woeful at Willoughby

2011-08-13T19:16:00.006Z

Another dreadful run chase saw the Firsts slump to defeat to Willoughby at Platt Lane. But such is the mad world of Keyworth cricket that we jumped to the top of the Division after Risley also lost to bottom of the table Southwell.

As usual the pre-match banter was full of ill-discipline and sob stories. Skipper Tinno set a fine example with a 3am finish and a poor night's sleep on the sofa. Tuckers had a stomach like a Hotpoint washer after filling his face with a week's calories in one sitting at Miah's. See-Soar meanwhile was all of a wobble at Trent Bridge after a couple of shandy's. Cowlard got an early sight of Platt Lane but inspected the football pitch by mistake after a night on the sauce. Strongy failed a late fitness test to protect his average, while Tom was missing on the hunt for a decent standard of Saturday football, though a run out for Keyworth United Stiffs wasn't quite the tier we'd expected!

Rocket hadn't touched a drop but still managed to put his trousers on the wrong way round for the third time in a row. At least this was a step ahead of See-Soar who had turned up without his whites, then rushed up to the FOD to see if they were there, only to find they were in his kit bag all the time. With sister Angry serving a ban for foul and abusive banter, sister Day was reminded of the need for respect and to swap F's and C's for F and G.

Phew: somehow we made it onto the field and actually turned in a fine display.

Rocket was licking his lips at a hard track and reduced the home side to 3-2; Jay-Vee taking a smart catch at 2nd, followed by a clean bowled yorker. Cowlard bowled like a dream but couldn't make a breakthrough, at one stage causing five play-and-misses in a row. 12 straight overs for just 21 was a great effort. We were well on top, and could even afford Tinno reaching double figures for the season for spilled chances.

The score had reached 62 when the new DJ Sammy removed home skipper Ben Boot when well set. Sam recovered from his first two balls going for boundaries to post fine figures of 1-23 off 6 overs.

Day Hiller was first choice spinner with Bobby and IG still away on beach cricket duty, and bowled some fine flight, with two yorkers in great figures of 10-0-22-2.

Tinpot took the second spinner's slot. While Leggy was dismayed a few weeks back for being out c. Tarran b. Soar, league batsmen would be considering retirement for falling c. Drury b. Tindsley. But that was the fate of two lower order lemmings, with the Chairman taking a remarkable diving catch at silly mid on, unlikely to be repeated this decade.

Fortunately Cowlard took a safe catch in the deep, to go with some great throws, to take the fielding point off Drurs. Tinno finished with fine figures of 3-22 off 6. Rocket returned to mop up the tail to finish with 4-33 off 10.3.

Willoughby ended with 126, which felt about 100 below par. Hmmm.

Tea was an old-skool sit down plated affair, and comfortably made it through to the next round of KCC Mastertea 2011, Pate made a fine accompaniment to French baguettes, while samosas were wolfed down by all apart from Tuckers, who managed a few crisps. Cherry bakewells were exceedingly nice and offset the lack of fresh fruit.

In reply, we were soon batting with as much nouse as the Indian tourists. Jay had pulled up lame when making a great save on the boundary, and went down as if shot when going for a quick single, literally doggy-paddling to make his ground. Poor Jay had to retire hurt on 0. The home side's tearaway quickie removed Dale for 3, then Drurs was LBW for 0, and we were effectively 11-3. The Postman was batting well, but had a rush of blood and holed out to deep square for 20. Benji was bowled for 8 and at 41-5 we were in a hole.

Sam smashed a quick 20, including the shot of the day, a six that almost reached the railway line, before being harshly judged stumped. Rocket made just 1, Cowlard 0, and Day 5 as we fell apart. Tuckers was last out for 4, with See Soar unbeaten on 4.

Extras top scored on 24, summing up a dreadful batting display, as we were all out for 86. Village.

PLUMS consumed in twilight feast

2011-08-12T06:13:00.004Z

Brought to you by roving reporter, President Baker

Wednesday 10 August 2011

Another confidence boosting victory for the Under 14s and this one produced under a leaden sky with a cold wind and constant drizzle and by the end, almost in pitch black light.

Batting first Keyworth were cruising along nicely at 37 for 1 after 7 overs when Sam Machin and Tom Newell decided to do an audition for ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ in the middle of the pitch and the prolific scoring Newell departed.

From then on some loose wafted shots through mid off and mid on provided the Plumtree lads with plenty of catching practice, most of which they hung to and another candidate for ‘Strictly’, Harry Normington also departed.

But, thanks to some hurrying and scurrying and a little lower order cameo from Josh Coulthard (8) and Harry Stolworthy (9), a score to bowl with of 82 materialised – probably 20 runs under par.

Coach Leggy was unhappy at the interval – “you can tell they are on their school holidays, they are just not with it tonight” he was heard to utter but the inspirational legend must have said all the right words behind the closed doors of the dressing room for a different team emerged to bowl tight.

This was backed up by alert and enthusiastic fielding, accurate throwing and in Pete Hennessy a wicket keeper on the top of his game, which all combined to strangle the Plumtree batsmen’s scoring opportunities.

Ben Healey (2-1-4-0) and Isaac Brown (2-0-5-0) opened up, then Mackenzie Shepherd (4-0-17-0) and Newell (4-2-7-1) kept up the pressure before gradually the Plumtree players realised they were badly behind the run rate and switched to some lusty hitting.

For a while the game was in the balance until a superb piece of thinking by Normington changed the momentum of the game. Fielding at deep mid wicket, a big shot was looking all the way like a six when Normington realised he could catch the ball but he would carry it over the boundary so he did get his hands to the ball and flicked it to Healey who was in support and he held on to the catch. The Plums supporters were not amused !

With Stolworthy and leg spinner Toby Kitching now operating as the light was too bad to bring back any of Keyworth’s quicker bowlers, the visitors continued to chase for runs and wickets fell steadily.

Not for the first time this season the home players held on to the catches including an especially smart one by Joe Nice and in the last over Plumtree were all out for 78in an exciting finish.

By which time Paul Newell (the scorer) was wrapped up for the winter with his hood up and needing some light to see the book he was writing in!

Kitching finished with seasons best figures of 4-0-15-3 while Stolworthy produced the best ever figures by a current KCC junior with 4-0-27-6. This also propelled him to second in the top bowling performances in the whole of the Notts Youth League for 2011.

A thoroughly exciting and rewarding evening and a double season victory over our neighbours!

Great Club Effort

2011-08-11T07:33:00.000Z

A sterling effort from the KCC junior section, mirroring senior selection, saw a youthful looking U14 side head to Kimberley.

With the holiday season well in the swing it was a case of fielding 11 players. Steiner, Machin, Healey, Brown and Mills were the recognised 14s and were joined on seasons debut by the popular Coulthard. The 13s of Nice, Shepherd and Kitching made 9.

Without hesitation the Under 11s of Sam Foster and Oscar Brown jumped at the chance.

Kimberley won the toss and elected to bat. The opening 10 overs were very pleasing from both sides with the hosts reaching 51-0 at the half way stage. Steiner, Healey, Brown and Mills all bowling tidy spells. The KCC fielding was excellent with Foster, Oscar Brown and Coulthard all setting the standard.

Coulthard and Kitching: relaxed.

The fielding remained solid during the second half but the Kimberley opening pair tucked into some leg side short deliveries that were hammered to all parts of the ground.

Brown did create a break through in the 14th over with Steiner taking a regulation catch at mid on. The other opener retired after a chanceless knock of 50 as 10 runs an over were being amassed.

Kitching was the pick of the bowlers, with 2 tidy overs at the death. Machin taking a neat caught behind to leave Kitching with figures of 2-0-11-1.

Steiner returned for the last over and cemented himself at the top of the wickets taken chart. Shepherd holding on to an up and under in the covers, then rearranging the stumps with his final delivery.

Kimberley: 145-4 off 20.

Steiner and Machin opened and were relatively untroubled before Steiner picked the wrong fielder to return for a second run and was half a track short.

Machin (13) was well set before a piece of huge misfortune whilst attempting a pull: the ball rolling up the pad, glove and bat before coming down the elbow and dropping with the faintest of touches onto the stumps.

With the run rate well below, Nice and Healey started to panic the fielders with a full repertoire of shots as the scores were tied at the halfway stage.

Nice (13) fell to the only fielder capable of taking such a catch who was deliberately positioned at deep midwicket. Looking like a 6 all the way the fielder plucked it out of the sky, sending Nice back to the pavilion.

This appeared to be the turning point of the evening as Brown came and went, being run out by the same fielder! and was immediately followed back by Coulthard, caught in the covers, and Shepherd who was clean bowled.

Healey, looking for his second half century of the season, found runs hard to come by and was run out after a fine knock of 40 - and the score on 84.

Mills played a beautiful square drive before departing and was followed by Foster, who connected but was caught.

This left Kitching and Oscar Brown for the final 2 overs, and what a 2 overs, the pair finding 4 boundaries as the score passed 100, Kitching (12*) registering his highest score and perhaps the biggest cheer of the night - Oscar out scoring his older brother!

Keyworth: 103-9 off 20

How many runs did you get big brother? I got 5 not out!

A Good Loss

2011-08-07T17:00:00.006Z

It's not often you concede 270 runs, lose by over 100, and still have a good day. But that was the case for the Stiffs away at Bingham.

With Ted away, Boss Hogg led a young side. We tried hard in the field but were punished for one bad ball an over.

Batting wise Beakey was once again the star scoring 69 at no.4.

Youngsters Ben Healey (14) Dominc Steiner (14) and Tom Newell (13) all showed what an exciting time the future holds and not only ensuring the Second XI have been at a full compliment each week.

Ben (12) shared a valuable 50 partnership with Beaky while Dominic took 2 wickets -clean bowled, a steepling catch at cow and scored 11 runs with bat.

With another growth spurt over the winter and some good nets it will be these youngsters and others who appear on the South Notts Cricket website each Sunday Morning.

We picked up 5 points which was more than the two sides below us in the Division.

In The Balance

2011-08-07T08:01:00.009Z

Rain denied an exciting finish in the table topping clash at home to Risley.

Tinno had selection problems. Bradman was away in Spain sulking that despite an average in the 90's he wouldn't play enough times to qualify for the League averages, Bobby was resting up his weight bearing injury in Portugal, while Day Hiller was in a field watching NDubz. Angry Hiller started a five match ban for foul language. So, with Drurs as the only spin option, the Skip went in with an all seam attack, in a match redueced to 40 overs.

We lost the toss and were delighted to have a bat. Jay-Vee was starting to find form when bowled by a full toss for 9. At the other end XX Dale warmed up for his pro-am slog with a run-a-ball 43, and would have got more had we not asked how many he was on, and was predictably out next ball. Shelley was all of a quiver in the scorers' tent having not realised IG was sporting a pink box in last week's picture.

Tinno as usual took time to get going, scratching to double figures in 26 balls. Benji meanwhile couldn't resist a slog at the Risley spinner and went for 4, then Drurs was triggered LBW for 13 with the 'keeper almost standing at leg slip when the appeal went up.

News in the week that the Smartphone Generation are addicted to their handsets was clearly demonstrated as the Youth Policy ignored the live action and kept up-to-date with the score through CricInfo. Meanwhile the Silver Surfers kept track by getting hand written notes with carbon copies from Shelley, in-between discussing which of the Pike family had the highest left elbow in the 1920's.

Rocket played his best knock of the season, smashing 38 off 24, including a straight six that had the scorers ducking for cover. The Postman anchored the innings and eased through the gears with some trademark fetches to mid wicket to deliver a super 74 off 80 balls.

Tommy blasted a valuable 16 n/o, while Strongy sensed that IG's lack of appearances could work in his favour, and blocked out the last over for another red-inker on 2 n/o.

213-6 at the break was above par.

Tea by the Strongs had been talked up during the week and didn't disappoint, easily making it through the Mastertea 2011 heats. The watching Dan Miller and overseas chums were so impressed that they helped themselves before the players arrived! Home made coleslaw was dreamy, but was rejected by the Youth Policy on nutritional grounds in favour of cocktail sausages and twix's. Corned beef and pickle on white took the captain's retro eye, while coronation chicken and wholemeal tuna wraps were a joy. Dimps was slavering over the home baked cakes, moist carrot followed by triple artery chocolate. A feast well worthy of 8/10, and would have delighted Paul Griffiths at West Essex CC, denied a season leading 9 only because the juicy chilled melon slices arrived late.

In reply we got off to a tight start. Strongy found his favourite jugglers in normal butter-fingered form, but Liam had more luck getting a clean bowled with a late in-swinger. On first change, Rocket made a second breakthrough with Tom taking a great one handed catch above his head. Some other great fielding supported the cause from Tuckers, See-Soar, Dale-O and even the Chairman, but Benji took the fielding point with some great diving stops.

We had to content with the normal pitch invasion from local kids behaving badly. However, for a change it wasn't the local yobs, but the Rendu children trying to evade the clutches of mum Louise in search of Dad Steve!!

The match was finely balanced with 100 needed off 14 overs with 8 wickets left. Showers then arrived and time ran out to get the remaining overs in. A frustrating end to a good day.

Keyworth pair take on Pro's

2011-08-01T20:01:00.004Z

Next Tuesday 9th August, Dale (XX) Collison and Simon (Tuckers) Tuckwell will be facing up to half the current Notts side in a Pro-Am Twenty20 at Car Colston CC.

The game, organised by Notts skipper Chris Read, is in aid of Bowel Cancer UK and kicks off at 4.30pm if you can make it, with food and entertainment from Graham Swann's band after the match...

If you fancy sponsoring our two heroes please do so via www.justgiving.com/pro-am-charitycricketmatch

Stiffs Slip Up

2011-08-01T12:44:00.009Z

The Seconds almost pulled off an upset at home to table topping Thrumpton. Thanks to John 'The Adonis' Beeton for poking his long lens into the action to provide a guest report and photo.

Bowling first we were well on top reducing the visitors to 41-7 at one stage. We were scuppered by a great rearguard action, and a lightning fast outfield, that allowed Thrumpton to reach 148 all out. Sam Wood (5-33) and Liam Elliott (4-33) took the bowling honours

Ted and Liam Savage opened the innings and both looked in no trouble, the ball finding the middle, but also finding the fielders. Progress was slow with only an occasional boundary when the inner ring was pierced and after 14 overs we only had 25runs on the board, but more importantly no wickets down.

Ted perished without really getting going and Leggy came in. Liam batted well and began to take on the bowling attack. A young spinner came on at the top end and bowled a good line and length, On 20, Liam had a rush of blood, charged a shorter delivery and was smartly stumped. Sam Nice who was umpiring at square leg was unsighted and said so. Liam did the gentlemanly thing and walked, but this was not sufficient for one of the fielders, and some red mist descended on the F of D for the second week in succession.

The match then resumed, with Leggy, in his own agricultural style, carving some quick runs. Then he got a straight one. Enough said!

'One-makes-two' played carefully for a while, then he hit over another straight one and was back in the hutch. The next wicket fell after a juggling act at mid-off. Then Liam E got a straight one and Billy got another.

We fell to 99 all out, a good effort all round from our young side, against a strong opposition.

Golden Graham

2011-07-31T07:43:00.004Z

A hard fought 20 points for the First team away at West Bridgfordians.

The dressing room the day after a day at the Trent Bridge test is always a sight to behold, and most of the squad were carrying drink related niggles. Bomber had failed to apply the factor 50 to his knees, which were shinier than the new ball, and ripe for a nasty dose of pad rash. Benji meanwhile had avoided the attention of the 4am Girls by going to bed at 5, in the garden, after Boom Boom’s birthday.

Some eyebrows were raised initially when Tinno opted to bat first on a watered track that would only get better, and raised still further when we slumped to 8-2 in the second over, Beakey out to his first ball, and XX Dale to his second.

Fortunately we had five recognised openers and a no.3 in the eleven and the Postman and Bradman set about repairing the damage. Tinpot took 20 balls to reach double figures, while IG was more destructive reaching 50 in 47 balls, the ball racing away on the parched outfield. Tinno went LBW for 25 with the score on 80.

Drurs joined IG to offer more counselling to his veteran partner who was once again trying to play the perfect shot to every ball. Bradman got a bit nervous in the 90’s and had to resort to sprinting his first runs since 1997 to bring up his century.

Benji didn’t need to move the sightscreen as he could barely see it through his hungover eyes, and smashed a quick 26 before departing for more kip. Drurs had scratched around to reach 44 before LBW. The batting highlight though belonged to Day Hiller-Sister who was still doubting himself despite his flat-batted six the previous week; “Is Tuckers ready?”, asked Day before going in to bat, more concerned about the next man in rather than his own innings!

Some late scampering left us 228-7 at the break.

WB’s were the latest entrant to KCC’s Mastertea 2011 and comfortably made it through to the next round. The senior pros enjoyed gammon sandwiches and spicy onion bhajis, while the Hiller Sisters scoffed prawn flavoured Skips and sausage rolls. Though Tinno’s retro highlight was the haslet filling, last seen in a sandwich in 1985, completely unchanged since only one step up from kebab meat in nutritional value. Shelley’s birthday fairy cakes finished off the feast perfectly.

In reply, Angry Hiller was once again hot and bothered. The grunt dial on the angry-ometer had been turned up from Serena to Sharapova as Andy became more and more frustrated at a series of play and misses, and failed LBW appeals. Finally Angry boiled over as a rank long hop raced to the boundary. Dimp was forced to issue a warning and deduct 25% of his match fee for another F and C laden outburst, that had Dale quickly re-writing the club’s code of conduct, to avoid losing the potty mouthed seamer for good. Andy finally got a wicket as IG pouched a sharp catch at slip. Cowlard meanwhile had seen it all before and simply bowled at the stumps, and got a deserved LBW in a tight spell, to move further ahead of Leggy in their wicket taking challenge for the season.

The life was sucked out of the home side’s reply by tight bowling from spin twins IG and Day. Bomber as usual was setting his field with a set square and protractor, while Day was consulting his Ladybird Book of Cricket between overs to learn the positions to set his, in the absence of Bobby. Tinno as usual just let them got on with it as the rate rose from 5 to 6 to 7 and all the way through to 11 an over, as the pressure told.

Our ground fielding and catching were excellent, no doubt influenced by the arrival of KCC legends Heppers and Sir Geoff Baker, all ready to heckle the slightest fumble after a day on the pop at the Test.

Beakey took a fine catch behind, but the fielding point was shared by Tuckers and Jay-Vee who both topped 5 miles on the Opta Index scuttling around the boundary ripping trousers and knee caps to keep the boundaries at bay.

Some late slogging took WB’s to 197 before Day Hiller took a fine catch on the boundary, a great effort to bowl a side out on a flat track. Bowling figures were splendid: IG 4-46, AC 2-34, A. Sister 2-36, D. Sister 2-56.

Last Ball Thriller in Title Decider

2011-07-26T07:09:00.007Z

The 13s arrived at Fiskerton for the league title decider. Something had to give for the top 2 teams, having both played 8 won 8. An absolute belter ensued, fitting of any final.

The home team bats first so the KCC XI of...

Back Row (l-r) M. Shepherd, L. Brown, G. Flewitt, T. Newell, J. Cairns, C. Malik. P. Newell (manager)

Front Row (l-r) J. Wilkins, T. Kitching, J. Nice (c) T. Blacklock (wk), M. Chamberlain

...had chance to put their 30 minute preparation into good effect.

Shepherd roared in with the speed and accuracy that had been hoped for all season and opened with 2 successive maidens, to set the tone. Chamberlain found his usual line and length but was dispatched a couple of times by the powerful opener who had yet to be dismissed this season.

Fiskerton: 14-0 off 4

Find of the season, Wilkins, struck with his second delivery. A top edge saw Cairns spring to action from backward short leg to take a diving catch. Kitching provided an able foil at the other end as the spin kings took the pace off the ball. Wilikns produced a second moment to savour holding onto a sharp return catch to dismiss the number 3.

Fiskerton: 33-2 off 8.

It was an over too far for Kitching as the talented opener successively carted the ball to the ropes, bringing up a clinical and chanceless 35* for his 6th retirement of the season. A fine knock. The KCC management pleased that it took nearly 13 overs to do so. Wilkins finished with 3-0-16-2.

The number 4 kept up the tempo, with 5 an over being scored, in a wily duel with Nice and Flewitt, who both bowled excellently. Brown produced an excellent bit of fielding off the bowling of Flewitt. Blacklock removing the stumps with the batsman a yard out.

Fiskerton: 67-3 off 12

The number 6 gave a master class in backing up and running between the wickets but was matched by a superb over a piece from Brown and Malik, who conceded only 9 runs between them.

Fiskerton: 87-3 off 16

Senior pros, Shepherd and Cairns, had the responsibility of keeping the total below 100 and didn’t disappoint. Shepherd maintained his discipline and the number 4 was triggered plum LBW for a fine knock of 30. Shepherd finishing with 3-2-5-1. Cairns was miserly with only 3 runs coming from the final over.

Fiskerton: 96-4 off 18.

A superb fielding and bowling display with each player rising to the challenge, only 7 wides and no balls was a great effort.

In reply the U12 pairing of Chamberlain and Blacklock opened leaving the big guns down the order and Blacklock Snr watching through closed fingers!

The duo produced some nice tip and run before Chamberlain (3) was caught in the covers. Captain Nice strode onto the pitch after an all day sports day and couldn’t find the previous nights blistering form – chipping back to the bowler for a regulation caught and bowled.

KCC: 15-2 off 4.

Blacklock and Newell settled the nerves of the large KCC travelling support with sharp running and well timed off side strokes – As Blacklock Snr heart rate returned to safe levels.

KCC: 38-2 off 8.

With the Fiskerton bowlers maintaining an impressive line and length it became apparent that the middle order would be required to hopefully close the game out with both Blacklock and Newell looking likely to retire with 30 still needed.

KCC: 67- 2 off 12.

Blacklock’s (27) magnificent innings finally came to an end in the 13th over after being stranded halfway down the crease but left to a standing ovation and deservedly feeling very proud of his achievements. The pair shared a magnificent 3rd wicket partnership of 59.

Blacklock: The innings of his season along with faultless glovework

Shepherd, capable of finishing the game in a couple of lusty strokes, unfortunately came and went. Newell (36*) retired to another ovation after an exceptional knock and his most important innings of the season. However, the whole complexion of the match had changed.

KCC: 75-4 off 15

22 off 18 required with Cairns and Wilkins in the middle. An excellent 1st over saw 10 scored with 4 doubles accumulated.

KCC: 85-4 off 16.

12 off 12 as the tension racked up a notch and Ted was placing money on the tie. The penultimate over started promisingly with 6 runs coming off the 1st 4 deliveries before Wilkins (5) chipped to the covers. Brown came to the crease as a dot completed the over.

KCC: 91-5 off 17.

6 off 6. The suspense was raised to unbearable levels after a dot, before a brave piece of running saw Cairns take the strike. 5 off 4. You could hear a pin drop as the match swung into the home teams favour with two further dot balls. 5 off 2.

The penultimate delivery saw Cairns swing hard, straight through the line as the ball was launched skywards. The whole sidelines were willingly the ball to the long boundary ropes as the fielders set off. An agonizing wait ensued as the ball landed softly and took an eternity to reach the boundary with the fielders closing in. With the final roll the ball touched the rope leaving the scores tied and one ball remaining. The whole season coming down to the final ball of the final match – who said cricket wasn’t exciting!

With the fielders close in, another excellent delivery was bowled, Cairns couldn’t get anything on it but Brown was off like a rocket. Surely the bails would be removed. In fairness it was a melee of bodies and hard to tell what had happened until Cairns raced to the non strikers end hotly followed by the ball. A fling of the bat, a pitch invasion, tears and hugs and joyous scenes erupted as the KCC XI were victorious by a solitary run.

An amazing match fitting of a title decider played between 2 excellent and evenly matched teams. Huge credit to Fiskerton who bowled and fielded excellently conceding only 6 wides themselves.

Newell and Cairns: Vital contributions with the bat

Over dramatic, not in the slightest! You had to be there, absolute magic. Such character from both sets of players and such excitement. A massive and thoroughly deserved achievement from the U13 and a match that will live long in the memories of everyone in attendance.

http://newarkcyl.play-cricket.com/leagueTables/divisionTable.asp?id=6238&seasonid=24

No Unity

2011-07-26T07:08:00.008Z

An overcast night saw the 14s gather by the Trent to play Notts Unity. An astro pitch awaited as Tudor and Steiner opened up after Normington lost the toss.

The oppostion had a wide array of spin bowling at their disposal and used it with great effect with the openers being very watchful. Steiner crashed a nice boundary before being caught in the covers for 9.

KCC: 16-1 off 5

The Unity bowlers were enjoying the upper hand and were very bouyant as the runs were hard to come by - Newell and Tudor only able to deal in singles but protecting their wicket well.

Tudor (11) fell at the half way stage, stumped by the young keeper, as the platform was set.

KCC: 36-2 off 10

Healey was imediately in on the act as he was looking to establish another profitable partnership with Newell and ignite the innings. It only lasted an over and a half before Newell (17) was triggered LBW. Hennessy came in and was at his scampering best before being bowled playing round a straight one, for 6.

KCC 64-4 off 15

Normington dropped down the order and bludgeoned a few boundaries before a mix up saw Healey (14) run out. Normington crashed 2 further boundaries before being bowled for 18, whilst the tail was found wanting trying to push the score past the hundred mark.

KCC: 91-9 off 20

In light of previous matches it was a disapointing total with all the batsman never really settled and looking hesitant.

Brown (2-0-6-0) and Steiner (2-0-6-0) bowled tightly as both openers look very assured and Tuckwell worrying that it could be an early night.

However, the change bowlers swung the match into KCC advantage. Healey was on a hat trick striking with his 6th and 7th deliveries. Normington safe under the first at mid off, Brown inspirational as the 2nd was crashed straigt at his mid riff as he collapsed with the ball stuck, stinging in his palms. Match changing.

Shepherd ensured there was no let up with a double breakthrough in his second over, clean bowling the number 3 and Steiner taking a routine catch at mid on.

Wilkins was on debut for the 14th and struck with his first delivery as the new man in skied one into the covers which Cairns duly took.

Unity: 30-5 off 9.

Then it all kicked off leaving a rather sour taste... A combination of factors: the home teams plight and two decisions in successive overs given with gusto - a run out and LBW prompted an on the field tete a tete questioning the ethics of cricket.

The home team didn't help their cause as a continuation of high risk shots and indecisive communication saw 3 further run outs - thankfully at the home umpires end.

The game was wrapped up in the 12th over with the Unity all out for 36.

An atmosphere as sombre as the overcast weather descended over the field of play which clouded an otherwise excellent performance.

Moral Victory

2011-07-26T07:08:00.007Z

With eyes still on a league and cup double, West Bridgfordians made the short trip to the Field of Dreams to play the 14s.

Having 2 successful run chases in the bag, Normington was delighted to have lost the tossed and been asked to field. The Bridgfordians County opener obviously keen to hit the 500 runs for the Summer, accompanied by his free scoring partner.

Steiner had other ideas as he immediately swung into action as a reckless cover drive was taken safely by Normington at mid-off, during the first over. Brown was asked to bowl up the hill and did so with unerring accuracy, frequently beating the edge.

Then the moment came... Steiner produced a big in-dipper which Bridgford's main man went after. The ball skied high into the air and hung agonizingly over Normington, once again at mid off. With the whole crowd holding their breath the skipper safely swallowed it up, leaving both openers back in the hutch with only 15 on the board.

Steiner and Brown took a break as Healey (4-0-21-2) and Mills (4-0-17-0) bowled straight through. Healey struck in his opening and final over, amid a bit of tap - Newell and Shepherd both rock solid in the field to take the catches. Mills bowled a teasing line that unsettled the batsman. The Number 3 was well set as the run rate remained at nearly 6 an over.

WBCC: 71-4 off 13.

The match hung in the balance. Brown returned to remove the dangerman for 34 as the away side were handily placed at 87-5 with 4 overs remaining.

Steiner and Newell had other ideas. Newell (2-0-9-0) bowled with great containment to set up Steiner for his finest moment of the season. Dominic's final 2 overs up the hill saw a wicket with his final delivery which went with 2 others and a meagre 3 runs leaving him with outstanding figures of 4-1-13-5 and the first Five-fer in our fledgling junior adventure.

WBCC: 98-8 off 20

Legge and Tuckwell were keen for deja-vu to be avoided having been in a similar position during the cup game, only to be reduced to 8-4 off 8.

Normington (2) fell in the first over failing to get forward which brought Newell straight to the crease to accompany Tudor. Once again the opponents were remarkably accurate with runs very hard to come by.

KCC: 15-1 off 7

Tudor (7) fell in the 8th over, as one squeezed through the gate, which brought Healey to the crease. Ben was in no need to hang around and launched a majestic 6 to long off as the opponents started to panic with the run rate increasing. With the partnership well set on 33, Healey (26) was deemed to be run out returning for a second. The disbelief on Ben's face said it all...

KCC: 48-3 off 13 (51 off 42)

Hennessy was unrelenting as another fine partnership was forming as 30 runs were put on in 4 overs and the momentum building in Keyworth's favour. With the victory target looming invitingly onto the horizon, Newell (24) fell in a carbon copy to Healey - run out returning for a second. The disbelief and tears in the eyes said it all as did Leggy's teapot impersonation at the bowlers end.

KCC: 81-4 off 18 (17 off 12)

Cairns (8) briefly injected some wind back into the sails with a glorious stright drive and a magnificently scampered 3 as a tense final over was set up with KCC requiring 10 off 6. The WBCC opener had other ideas with an excellent final over. 4 wickets with the first 4 balls. The hat trick delivery unfortunately a run out, but a tremendous effort nonetheless. Brown and Steiner finished on a high scoring 5 runs off the final 2 balls.

KCC: 93-9 off 20

A moral victory against another of the leagues elite and testament to how far the boys have come. So proud of the boys achievement and their manner and demeanour.

All the Fun After the Fair

2011-07-26T07:08:00.006Z

The 14s were in carnival mode after spending the weekend on a hook-a-duck and the waltzers. With the trailer marks barely dry and the tombola store just packed away, Kegworth arrived for a friendly.

Having fallen foul to various cancellations, it was the first chance in a month for the 14s to wield the willow after two brilliant victories over Radcliffe and Attenborough.

It was decided everyone would bowl 2 overs. Healey (2-0-4-0) and Steiner (2-0-4-1) opened up and it was Dom who made the break through taking a regulation catch off his own bowling, in the 2nd over.

Brown (2-0-11-0) and Mills (2-1-2-1) were both in the action. A smart direct hit, from Newell, removing the second opener, off the bowling of Brown. Mills was miserly, clean bowling Number 3 in a wicket maiden.

Kegworth: 26-3 off 8.

Skipper Normington had his first 2 overs of the season and put himself in contention for opening the attack on a regular basis! - 3 wickets in 2 overs for 2 runs. 2 clean bowled and a smart catch from Newell in the covers. Stolworthy (2-0-5-1) was not to be out done. A new spin approach reaping dividends as a big swipe popped into the air for Shepherd to pouch. Newell got his second run out of the innings in Stolly's second over.

Kegworth: 34-8 off 12

Tudor (2-0-5-1) was hoping there would be chance to bowl and duly got in the act as Steiner showed a safe pair of hands. It was not to be for Nice and Shepherd as Newell (1.4-0-6-1) cleared up the final wicket in the 16th over

Kegworth: 45 all out

The KCC openers had the added incentive of a 10/10 match afterwards if they could wrap up the match quickly.

Hennessy (2) and Shepherd (2) found it hard going before both being dismissed in the 3rd over. The honours fell to Tudor and Nice to steer the KCC jugonaut home inside 8 overs. Tudor (6*) played an excellent supporting role but it was Nice (32* 7x4s) who gathered the plaudits with a succession of crashing cover drives each one surpassing the previous. A one bounce 4 to backward square sealing the victory.

Keyworth: 46-2 off 7.2

10/10 Time

It was down to the KCC XI to post the target in the 10/10 challenge with each bowler having an over each. Steiner and Stolworthy opened up.

Stolly (2) managed a neat brace off his legs before playing around a straight one. Normington (2) came and went, looking a little out of sorts, chipping one straight back to the bowler. But Steiner was in bullish mood firing the ball to all parts for a season high 20 before being run out.

Healey crashed a rapid fire 25 before retiring as Newell (9*) and Brown (9) saw the innings to a close.

Keyworth: 76-4 off 10

Healey took the gloves after Henno recieved a ball to the face on the sidelines. Brown first over indicated nothing of the hilarity that was to ensue as Hennessy's night went from bad to worse. A 10 ball over contained everything... apart from a wicket. Leggy even seemed to be enjoying calling the no balls as the rest of his 'friends' offered bowling tips! 22 runs off the over meant the remaining 8 bowlers had to put their money where their mouths were!

Shepherd (1-0-5-1), Normington (1-0-2-1) and Nice (1-0-5-1) redressed the balance before Stolly (1-0-11-0) 'span' it back to the visitors favour! Hennessy slumped to new lows as the ball followed him around the field - the lowlight a mis-timed long barrier meant a crack straight on the knee cap that echoed all around the Rec, along with muffled laughter. Still an absolute legend Pete, just one of those nights!

Steiner (1-1-0-2), Mills (1-0-2-1) Newell (1-0-4-1) and Tudor (1-0-3-1) wrapped it up with some tidy bowling each taking a wicket a piece allowing Hennessy to get home to be wrapped in ice then cotton wool!

Kegworth: 57-7 off 10

Stolly Stars For Seconds

2011-07-25T20:55:00.004Z

More good experience for a young Stiffs side away at Caunton on Saturday. Flymo Ted won the toss and bowled first. We did really well to keep the home side to less than 200, given they'd racked up nearly 300 against us at the same time last year. Fielding was excellent and Liam Savage took a great catch on debut. The star of the show though was Josh Stolworthy who returned great figures of 5-17. In reply we were never in the hunt. Malc Healey top scored as we struggled to 72 all out.

Take That and Party

2011-07-23T20:36:00.005Z

One of the most entertaining and laugh-a-minute days in recent memory at the Field of Dreams with scandal that would have made even a News of The World reporter blush.

Pre-match mirth for the visit of Long Whatton, saw See Soar roar into the car park in his work van with the plate, Y 841 FOO, needing only the addition on an 'L' to make a perfect personalised number. His team mates looked on in envy as he demolished a monster portion of fish and chips as a pre match warm up.

The start of the football season normally creates selection headaches, but we hadn't expected the Scottish Premier version to coincide with at least a dozen regulars being unavailable. Pre-match chatter revolved around the summer's hottest party invite. Rumour had it that Justine's 40th had accounted for most of KCC's senior pros. Bradman was an obvious absentee, but Strong, XX Dale and Baker were all tarred with the same A-list brush. "Does no one want to play cricket on a Saturday?", asked Tinno, though it transpired that most of the absentees had plausible excuses elsewhere, apart from Benji who was seeing his girlfriend.

Cowlard had spent a good half an hour practicing his Greco-roman wrestling with the scoring gazebo, hoping to jump straight to the top of the Super Scorer's favourite's list. Unfortunately Shelley was an A-lister and turned up to announce she was off to enjoy the party! Tuckers was delighted, eyeing up the vacant tent for a couple of hours kip, for once feeling rough on a Saturday due to a non drink related illness. Tuck needed to dig deep though, as Tinno won the toss and chose to bowl first on a dampish pitch.

We were on top early with Angry Hiller bowling a hostile spell up the hill, spurred on by sister Day sledging him for breaking the 50 mph barrier for the first time this season. The Angry-ometer was dipping into the red zone as he repeatedly beat the edge, and then saw snicks race through vacant 2nd slip. Things snapped as a long hop quite rightly disappeared onto Nottingham Road, leading to a tantrum that contained enough F’s and C’s to show that Andy would easily fit in with his new Cockney chums. He finally got a deserved wicket with Tom taking a fantastic diving catch in front of first slip.

Cowlard meanwhile was more relaxed, sedated by Lemsip for man flu, and took a perfect wicket down the hill, a beautiful away-swinger catching the edge for Beakey to take our first slip catch since Laddy left.

Rocket’s head was a shed after the rush of tea preparation, and took to the field with his trousers on back to front, looking like MC Hammer. A quick break in play allowed for a whirlwind break-dancing change only for the buffoon to get back up with his whites still facing the wrong way! Still it was a case of ‘u can’t touch this’ as a full toss from our long haired hero clattered into middle stump to take wicket number 3.

A decent stand then put us on the back foot for a little while as off the field action heated up.

A game of keepy-uppy among the local youths descended into chaos, with the ball repeatedly being kicked onto the field. After several good-natured warnings, Rocket had seen enough, and half volleyed the footie straight into the Vicarage, racing to the top of the Champagne Moment nominations for the season. The local numpties were apoplectic. The VI-in-chief tried to scale the Vicarage fence only to find anti-vandal paint on his hands, comically using his copy of the Sun to try to wipe them clean. Back-page Bobby for once had to clean up the headlines rather than write them himself, as the tabloid filth blew across the Field of Dreams.

Poor Jacko Palmer had got caught up with the local yobs, and was in danger of being found guilty by association. Bobby was quick to alert KCC legend Sticky, who raced up the road to make sure that PC Malik had no need to interrupt his sandwich break.

The last thing we then needed was for the Red Bull dolly birds to arrive, dishing out free samples of caffiene-fix, to send the numpties even higher. Off sulked the VI's threatening to return to dig up the pitch, and with a golf driver to apparently "hit the long haired **** in the head". The joys of the Field of Dreams in summer.

After a string of promising performances, young Sam Wood had attracted a travelling fan club, easily trebling the day’s attendance. Some smart fielding was accompanied by admiring ‘whoop whoops’ and ‘Go Sam’s’, much to our young hero’s embarrassment, and the older players’ envy!

Long Whatton’s 4th wicket partnership was reaching a worrying level until the Hiller Sisters made a double breakthrough. Sam took a great catch at deep square to make the cheerleaders swoon still further. Tinno got in on the act pouching a fine swirling catch to take his ratio to 1 in 10 for the season.

Some other stuff happened and the innings closed at 173-9 with wickets shared around; Angry Hiller 3-56, Rocket 2-40, Day Hiller 2-49, AC 1-29.

Tea by the Rendu’s catered for all tastes. Spicy mango chutney and chicken wraps pleased the foodies, while extra jammy doughnuts kept the youth policy quiet. Tea tasted like Twinings rather than Tetleys out of the new KCC mugs.

In reply we got off to a great start. Beakey had been dropped from the Stiffs, and had a point to prove to the selectors, smashing 12 boundaries in a fine run a ball 60. The Postman was delivering at the other end as we raced to 70 without loss until Tinno holed out for 29. Tom was (less than) fresh after a week in Magaluf and was still in beach cricket mode smashing a long hop straight to mid wicket.

Drurs (23) and Beakey settled nerves, before both fell in quick succession to soft dismissals. Day Hiller hadn’t ever batted as high as no.7 even in back garden games against brother Andy and Tinno, but raced to 10 in just two shots, a flat-batted 6 to mid wicket being the shot of the day (to that point). He soon departed along with AC (4) to leave the visitors smelling an unlikely victory.

We needn’t have worried as Rocket (12*) dug in, and Sam went from hero to super-hero smashing an unbeaten 25, finishing with a fantastic straight 6 to seal a 19 point victory.

With Thrumpton slipping up, we’re back to 2nd in the table, with a table topping clash with Risley to follow in a fortnight.

Rain Stops Play

2011-07-16T12:00:00.005Z

A complete wash out as heavy rain led to the abandonment of both games on Saturday.

Winner Takes All

2011-07-10T20:53:00.004Z

Last Monday saw a disappointing first defeat of the season for the 13s, against Belvoir in the semi-final of the cup.

However, 3 days later it was business as usual. A return to Belvoir kept the league campaign on track in a good show of character.

With the home team batting first. Shepherd (3-1-5-0) Chamberlain (2-2-0-2) and Wilkins (2-0-5-2) all applied the squeeze as Belvoir were restricted to 18-5 off 8, with a reversed batting order.

Malik (2) Kitching, Brown and Cairns all chipped in with wickets. Kitching, Cairns and Brown all showed safe hands when required as the overall ground fielding was much improved.

Belvoir: 86-9 off 18.

Newell received the only good delivery in the opening 4 overs. 42 runs appeared on the board with only 13 of them coming off the bat, leaving the result never in doubt.

Nice played tidily for 23 before being caught in the covers. Chamberlain crafted an excellent 19 not out despite running in treacle while Shepherd (14*) crashed the winning runs with 7 overs to spare.

Keyworth 90-2 off 10.4

The win sees Keyworth join Fiskerton at the top of the league having both played 8 won 8. Both teams meet on Tuesday night away at Fiskerton for a winner takes all decider. 6pm start, the more supprt the merrier.

A summary of the other matches will follow (when school is out!). The U12s sit top of their league having won 4 out of 4, with 2 matches remaining. The U14s have been without a game for 5 weeks but kick start their final 6 games on Monday night against Kegworth at the Field of Dreams.

Firsts Back to Winning Ways

2011-07-02T21:37:00.009Z

The Firsts won convincingly at the Fortress of Dreams against the visiting Bottesford team who only consisted of 10 players.

Iggy was the stand-in skipper with Tinpot at a wedding and vice skip Bobby Baker crocked. Keyworth won the toss and, after last week's dismal chase, went back to basics by batting first.

The Seconds didn't have a game so Chairman of Selectors Ted was able to wield the Flymo and cut out the chaff from last week's horror show. Our faith in youth continued with Cowlard, Leggy and Meeky called in to add experience. 15 year old Sam Wood was handed his First Team debut after a number of great displays for the 2nds, and to keep the average age of the side under 40.

Notable contributions to the 214-9 were Ian (66), Tom (44) who took his opportunity to bat up the order with some lovely strokes around the ground, Jamie (38), and Sam (13 in 15 balls) hitting a couple of beautiful shots off his legs and a cracking straight drive, and Dangerous Dave Hiller (21) up the order to 9, hitting a superb hooked 6 in the process with eyes fully shut.

Noticeable omissions were Meeky and AC (golden) who survived for 3 balls between them in an over that saw 3 wickets fall.

Bobby was fit enough to butter some bread, and produced a superb retro style plated salad. Such is the standard these days though, that Super-Scorer Shelly thought the tea would benefit from the addition of a few warm buttered new potatoes! Always room for improvement Rob! The crusty bread, homemade coleslaw and potato salad were the highlights.

In reply Bottesford were never in it, being 20/30 runs behind the rate throughout. Some late over slogging got them within 13, but in reality it was never that close; 201-8 at the finish.

Bowling points went to Dave Hiller (7-28-2) , Renders (10-29-2), Ian (12-30-2) and also Sam Wood who cemented an excellent day by taking his first wicket for the first team by knocking over middle stump in a hostile spell.

At one point Leggy was the best fielder on the off side... well he was the only fielder as Iggy bowled to his 8-1 field. Fielding point though went to Meeky who is still as agile as a cat getting down to the ball...it's just the getting up that's the problem!

Over to the Stiffs next week, as no game for the Firsts due to the Keyworth Show.

Battle of Youth

2011-06-26T12:57:00.003Z

A talented young Caribs side gave us a glimpse of the future as the Stiffs were beaten at home.

We bowled first and Caribs were all out for 207 with Skipper Cowlard taking 3-47. As usual our fielding was a mixed bag. Leggy was fresh from a morning watching the Two Towers on DVD, but sadly had fingers more like Gollum than Gandalf, spilling a tricky chance, and longed for Frodo's ring to make himself invisible from his chuckling team mates. Meanwhile Billy was back to his river-dancing best, all of a Michael Flatley flap under a steepling slog.

Tea by Jude had many highlights; sausage rolls and chicken nuggets tempted some of the Youth Policy onto solids for the first time, while those with a more developed taste opted for the coronation chicken wraps followed by special recipe chocolate cake. Cowlard scoffed a full plateful, and put a second in the fridge for later, anticipating a long innings.

In reply we batted well but lost wickets at the wrong time. AC top scored with 42 before being tempted down the track by the young spinner. Paul Lay, Billy and young Sam Wood all made good starts, but fell just at the wrong time. Caribs 13 year old spinner bowled a great spell to take 5 wickets and we were all out for 162.

Half of the players on the pitch were aged under 20 which bodes well for the future.

Bramcote Baths

2011-06-25T20:02:00.007Z

A dismal day away at Bramcote where our batting matched the shabby weather. Heavy overnight and morning rain had left the bowlers' run ups looking like the shallow end at the nearby Baths.

After a close inspection of the Glastonbury mud bath, Tinno won the toss and decided it was time for Bowl First Keyworth.

The home side were none too keen to leave the comfort of the dressing room, leaving the Millers on stage hanging around, waiting for the headline acts to arrive.

Most importantly, Dimps had forgot his wellies, and could only offer liquorice mints to while away the time before the rain finally stopped and the match was reduced to 36 overs a side.

Leading wicket taker And Dave Strong opened up with Angry Hiller and both bowled a bit too short to take advantage of the swamp like conditions.

Laddy will be chuckling over his cornflakes hearing about more comic capers in the catching cordon. Tinno chipped a nail missing a sitter at 2nd and left the field for a manicure, while Drurs was offering Bobby a free eye test voucher after the Vice failed to pick up an edge at gully. Angry Andy was scathing in his judgement, "every week, ******* useless", and stomped off to fine leg.

For Garfield Graham, the sight of a seaming green top was the equivalent of a trip to Lourdes for his dodgy back, and the old pro sent down 9 overs of seam-up taking 4-15. Benji set the ball rolling with a Tom Daley half pike with tuck, recovering after slipping going for a simple catch.

Bobby had a rare off day with the ball, and it was his protege Day Hiller who worked through the lower order with Tom taking the day's fielding point with a fantastic catch down the leg side. A couple of late run outs saw the home side dismissed for 109, about 20 short of the par score according to the Tuckwell Legge Method.

Bramcote's entry for KCC Mastertea 2011 was disqualified for the use of outside caterers, though still wouldn't have featured due to the complete absence of fruit and veg. Mr Kipling's Viennese Whirls were the dry highlight.

If this was what it was like to bat in the 1960's, then Boycott can stick his 'uncovered peetches' up his Yorkshire a***. Bramcote's quick tore in licking his lips, and was clocked as 'brisk' on the Afghan-ometer, but a broken ankle short of 'rapid'. Tinno was trapped LBW playing back to a yorker, while Jay played down the A453 rather than the A52 and lost his middle pole.

Bradman was threatening to win the game single-handedly until unluckily gloving a lifter behind for a quick fire 35. Benji got a carbon copy to be caught at gully for 7 and Tom was another caught on the crease LBW for 2. Drurs was counting down the balls until the openers were off, until Dimps decided that bat hitting pad was an outside edge and sent the Chairman back, more miserable than Morrissey, for 6.

At 61-6 we were stuck in the mud, and needed the support act of Strong and Baker to step up and deliver a headline set. Both played the change bowlers with ease until falling in successive overs with the score at 89. Tuckers was another to spit the dummy stumped, allegedly, for 2. It was left to the Hiller-Sisters to do it for themselves, but Angry holed out to mid off to see us rolled over for 93.

A cracking pint of pavilion real ale from the Nottingham brewery could only leave a bitter taste as we made our sorry way home.

Healey and Nice send Attenboro' Packing

2011-06-24T00:13:00.005Z

There wasn’t long to wait for the U14s. Extra correspondence by Legge ensured that Attenborough turned up at the 5th attempt as the 2 sides met for the first time in 3 years.

Nice was called up for a season debut with Machin on school duty. Normington lost the toss and the KCC XI were sent into the field.

A very tidy opening saw the visitors restricted to 16 off the first 5 overs with Healey, in particular, very economical. Brown was unable to make the break through but Healey deservedly struck in his fourth and final over – Shepherd running round neatly at mid off.

Tudor and Steiner were unable to disrupt the number 3 who was busy crafting a tidy innings. However Mills joined the party with his sixth delivery – Hennessy taking the faintest of inside edges.

Attenborough: 59-2 off 12.

The 3rd wicket partnership then began to take full advantage as the KCC ground fielding went AWOL – mis-fields and not attacking the ball were topped by the ball squirming past 3 people backing up!

The number 3 retired after a chanceless 50 before Steiner removed the number 4 – rearranging the stumps. Shepherd was wicket less but bowled excellently at the death: 4-0-24-0 as Attenborough closed on 114 for 3.

Could lightning strike twice?

It looked unlikely as Normington and Hennessy couldn’t get the openers away.

KCC 6-0 off 4
3 successive boundary clouts from Normington got the run rate back on track before he nicked behind chasing a wide one. Hennessy followed in the next over pulling across a straight one.

KCC: 30-2 off 7

Nice and Healey showed restraint for an over before hitting the accelerator. Excellent running and deft touches became the norm as the run rate began to creep up.

58-2 off 12 – 57 off 48.

Healey swung the balance into Keyworth’s advantage in brutal fashion. The opening 4 deliveries of the 13th over going for 4,4,4 then a massive 6 to cow. The Attenborough management were in disbelief as the same bowler was given another by the on field captain and Healey duly cashed in. A final, glorious 6, straight down the ground securing a maiden half century, bringing a tear to Healey Snr eye and a huge round of applause from all watching. A telling 78 run partnership saw the KCC machine on the brink of another victory.

Brown kept Nice on his toes running some highly improbable yet intelligent singles. Nice was fully into his stride with a thoroughly composed innings showing a wide variety shots. The finish line was achieved with 3 overs to spare thanks to a magnificent lofted leg side blow from Nice. The latter finished with an excellent 30* with Brown (5*)

Another tremendous run chase saw another victory as the 14s really stood up to be noticed. The win saw Keyworth take a position at the top of the league among the elite!

Having only ever defeated Ellerslie in the Nottingham League over the last 2 years, Attenborough became the third extra casualty along with Radcliffe and Plumtree. Progress!

Outstanding

2011-06-23T23:11:00.003Z

Unbelievable. Legends. The Pinnacle. Absolute beauty. Dreamland.
Enough superlatives…

The 14s travelled to the reigning league champions, Radcliffe, hoping to have closed the standards gap on their more illustrious opponents.

Shepherd and Newell joined the regular cohort as Normington lost the toss and the KCC XI took to the field.

Machin Snr took charge of the scorebook allowing Tuckwell to prowl around the boundary and pass comment, while Healey and Brown opened up.

A steady start unfolded with both teams trying to wrestle the initiative from each other. After 8 overs the KCC boys were the more satisfied limiting their usual free scoring opponents to 35, with Healey finishing with figures of 4-0-20-0 and Brown 4-0-13-0.

Tudor and Steiner maintained the pressure with the latter dismissing the opener, Brown taking a routine catch at mid-off.

Radcliffe: 53-1 off 12

Tuckwell was busy on the phone relaying messages of positivity to Newell and Neecey Snr as it all went a little pear shaped.

Partly due to inexperience, wickets in hand and some suspect fielding the Radcliffe middle order began to make hay. Tudor and Mills both took a wicket, and Stolworthy a smart catch, as the run rate escalated with alarm. Steiner returned for a further wicket as 124 was reached off the penultimate over.

Shepherd strode up for a final hurrah and cart wheeled the off stump out of the ground in his first delivery. 5 more top draw deliveries kept the score below 130 and at least gave a minor wave of optimism.

Radcliffe: 129-5 off 20.

Legge and Tuckwell glossed over the on field fumblings as the batsman tucked into Mrs Healey’s freshly baked birthday fairy cakes. Attack was the message especially after Brown Snr heard the Radcliffe coach saying all the lesser lights would have a bowl indicating the game was as good as in the bag!

A first ball boundary from Normington was a perfect start but Hennessy fell in the first over, misjudging the pace and pulling one to square leg.

Machin and Normington put on 20 before both falling to smart catches in the 6th over.

KCC: 25-3 off 6 - 105 required off 84.

Healey and Brown then ignited the touch paper with a dazzling 30 run calypso carnage in 3 overs that sparked thoughts of the improbable.

Tuckwell gathered the lower middle order and reached for the pills with 67 needed off the final 60. The pair maintained their relentless pace as the Radcliffe elite were brought on to restore order and Tuckwell racked up the phone bill and RSI on the text.

KCC: 85-3 off 13 – 45 off 42

The breakthrough was immediate as Healey lost his off stump for a magnificent knock of 35. Tudor (4)came and went but kept the run rate ticking as Radcliffe tried to keep on top of the run a ball rate.

KCC: 94-5 off 15 – 36 off 30

Newell made an automatic impact crashing a couple of boundaries and running some immaculate singles with Brown, the ball only dropping metres from the bat to pressure the field. A huge 13 runs off the 16th over

Tuckwell was wearing out the grass around the perimeter as Brown (19) fell with the score on the dreaded Nelsons
111-6 off 17 – 19 off 18

Stolworthy (4) came and went but importantly launched an important boundary, as the tension became unbearable. Newell calmed the nerves after two bouncers were dispatched with class – the first hooked over square leg, the next cut over point.

120-7 off 18 – 10 off 12

Steiner was the new man in and the popular lefty knocked a single and a double before Newell was beaten all ends up by a swinging Yorker. The stumps remained intact but more importantly the ball evaded the keeper and raced over the ropes.

127-7 off 19 – 3 off 6

Steiner turned hero as Tuckwell was lying prostrate watching behind closed fingers. Steiner (7*) crashed the first ball of the final for four to seal a historic win with Newell (15*) also unbeaten .

The pinnacle of the junior journey so far against the reigning champions. A superb performance of immense character and belief.

Outstanding boys. Truly Outstanding.

Schools' Day Success

2011-06-23T07:11:00.003Z

A brilliant day on Wednesday saw local schools battle it out in our annual competition. The weather was kind, with only one sharp shower, that didn't affect the programme or dampen enthusiasm.

The tournament was fiercely competitive and noise levels high. Some great bowling and hitting was on display, and the ground fielding and catching was exceptional. All the kids and their parents really seemed to enjoy the whole day. The overall winners of the competition were the team from Cotgrave who won all of their matches. More details will follow from Tuckers.......

Tuckers once again did a tremendous job making the day run like clockwork. And thanks to the many KCC volunteers who made the day possible.

100 Reasons To Be Cheerful

2011-06-19T19:02:00.004Z

The Stiffs banished the bad memories of previous weeks by chasing down over 200 at home to Edingley. The highlight was a maiden century from Rob Beake. A full match report hopefully to follow.........

Better Than Average

2011-06-19T07:24:00.012Z

With shower clouds circling, the Firsts travelled north to Suthell or South Well passing at least four grounds where pitch inspections were taking place under umbrellas. Amazingly the beautiful Southwell ground had missed, and continued to miss, all of the forecast rain.

Tinno lost the toss but was delighted to be asked to bat first. Sadly the smile was soon gone as the Skip was undone by some great seam bowling for 5. Iggy needed to score 4 not out, or 104, to get to a better-than-Bradman average of 100, and it looked like it was to be the former, as the one-man-team scratched around for just a single after 20 balls, including an expensive drop by the 'keeper. At the other end Jay was equally watchful as the pair carefully saw off the accurate opening attack. Both had accelerated through the gears and created more work for Barry putting on 104 before Jay was bowled for 31 with score on the dreaded 'Nelson'.

Drurs walked in only to see Iggy also walking off, having decided he needed a rest, to protect his back, and average, on 58. Rocket took guard and had Dimps all in a spin, "Where's Jay gone?", asked our ump', completely unaware that Jay had been bowled in all the mayhem! Rocket and Drurs tucked into the opposition spinners putting on a run-a-ball 85. The Chairman was gasping for air as the pair scampered 20 2's on the large Southwell outfield. Renders was caught behind for 39 off 37, and was later gutted to be found he'd been out-scored by his old mate.

As usual Benji took time to play himself in, crashing his first two balls for 4! And cemented his place at the top of Bobby's strike-rate chart making 13 off just 8 balls. Tommy had another thankless task with just three balls left, and would have been 6 not out at the Field of Dreams, only to be caught on the long off boundary. Drurs confirmed his re-birth as a born again slogger, attracting interest from the Chennai Chiefs, making an unbeaten 61 off 51 balls. Ever the old-pro, IG limped back on for the final ball and hobbled through for a single, to avoid any debate about the effect of a 'retired hurt' on his now three-figure average. 229-5 at tea was another great effort.

Southwell were the latest entrants in KCC's 'Mastertea 2011'. This was an above average spread with an abundance of cakes, and sliced gammon cobs, catching the KCC fatties attention. But a lack of fruit, and no real signature dish, made it touch and go whether this was a contender for 'tea of the season'.

Rocket roared in and this week got full reward by blasting through the Southwell top order with three clean bowleds in a hostile opening spell of 3-10 off 8 overs.

At the other end Strongy was fuming as a straight-forward edge was dropped behind, "F****** jugglers" moaned KCC's golf pro, along with other less printable obscenities, tarring the whole hapless umbrella cordon with the same brush! Tom soon brought a grin back to Strongy's chops with a fantastic diving catch in front of first slip. A couple more wickets kept Charlie at the top of the wicket taking charts, ending his spell on 3-18.

Spin twins Bobby and Day Hiller-Sister tucked into the lower order with the same relish as the tea time fairy cakes, both helping themselves to a brace of wickets. Again everything went perfectly in the field and Tuckers had to move barely an inch to pouch a catch in the deep.

Southwell were all out for 52 and a 20 point return saw us return to the top of the table.

Good Recovery in Cup Exit

2011-06-14T08:10:00.004Z

The 14s travelled to West Bridgfordians in the Quarter Final of the cup, the reward for defeating neighbours Plumtree.

Normington loss the toss and was told to field. The WBCC opener obviously keen to add to his individual batting tally of 250+ runs and numerous retirements of 50.

On a super large outfield sweepers were employed to reduce the boundaries. Healey (4-0-18-0) endured a luckless spell but bowled very well. It was left to his opening strike partner, Brown, to take the first wicket - removing the number 2 with a clean bowled.

WBCC: 43-1 off 7

In all of the matches it is the change bowlers that can make or break the innings and this time it was no exception. Steiner and Tudor bowled a superb line and length and got their just rewards.

With the ground fielding excellent, the opener ran out of patience with singles and heaved across a Steiner inswinger, to depart for 39, with his stumps rearranged.

Tudor (4-0-9-3) elevated himself to the top of the 'wickets taken chart' in the Notts League. 2 plum LBW decisions and a neat caught and bowled left the middle order wobbling.

WBCC: 71-5 off 15

Stolworthy and Mills were entrusted to close out the innings and an all action last 5 overs left the WBCC sidelines worrying. Hennessy was determined to show his fellow KCC gloveman, Blacklock, that he was equal to the high standards being set. He produced 2 excellent stumpings off the bowling of Mills, and was sharp enough to create a run out with both batsman at the same end.

Cairns concluded an excellent bit of fielding with a smart run out as Mills finished with excellent figures of 3-0-9-2

WBCC: 97-9 off 20

A super display in the field to keep the top team in the division in check, and there was the belief that victory could be achieved.

A superb opening bowling attack had other ideas. After 5 overs there was 1 run on the board and Machin, Newell and Normington back in the hutch. Legge was fearing a touch of deja-vu with Saturday's n-n-n-n-n nineteen still fresh in the mind.

8 overs in and the bowling remained relentlesly impressive with 3 further runs added and Healey back in the pavilion.

KCC: 8-4 off 8

Cometh the hour... with victory a distant dream, Brown and Tudor started the rebuild. Both batted excellently with pride. A mixture of boundaries and well worked running ensured a creditable total. Tudor (12) fell in the 17th over with the partnership approaching 40 and Brown (23) departed shortly after, both to a warm and deserved applause.

Hennessy (8*) and Cairns (4*) then showed delightful running to pressure the fielders into some uncharacteristic mistakes as the innings closed on 55-6.

No cup dream this year but an abundance of character and the belief that the big teams are in sight!

Ransomes Rolled Over

2011-06-12T15:34:00.006Z

Legge and Tuckwell took charge of the 13s with Newell on overseas duties. A potential shambles was overted as the Ransome and Marles convoy rolled up to the Rec at 7 - having missed the turn off to Keyworth, heading down the A46, before spinning it round and stopping off at Platt Lane for good measure.

With only 10 players in the travelling party the KCC tail took it in turns to field as skipper Nice and Chamberlain looked to pile on the runs.

Chamberlain (5) fell to a direct hit in the 2nd over, with 12 on the board, to bring Newell to the crease. The established duo served up a mixture of boundaries and sharp singles for a partnership of 46 before Newell (18) went for an uncustomary wander and was stumped.

Shepherd looked in fine touch but fell to the second direct hit of the innings. Nice powered on in a swashbuckling fashion. Neecy Snr pleased with the amount of leg side shots that were converted and found their way to the boundary.

This week the skipper made it to 35* and walked off to a deserved round of applause. Cairns (13*) maintained the momentum and was duly supported by Blacklock (6) who, looking for a last ball maximum, skied one into the covers.

Keyworth: 100-4 off 16

Those that hadn't batted were entrusted with the ball and the 2010 U12 bowler of the year, Rock, opened proceedings in his 2nd game. The opening duo raced to 14 off 2 overs but Rock found his range and produced a double wicket maiden in his second over - firstly removing off stump and then Flewitt taking a safe catch at square leg.

Baines joined the party in the very next over with that man Blacklock getting his 7th stumping of the year.

Newark: 22-3 off 4

A steady 4th wicket partnership was developing before Baines produced the first of 2 run outs. The second dismissing the opener who was well set on 20.

Chamberlain (2-1-3-0) bowled a tidy spell before Kitching's leg flippers made a double break through in the 12th over.

After marshalling the field superbly Nice took the last over and opened with a wicket - the equally vocal and well organised Newell taking a safe up and under at point.

Newark 51-8 off 16

The win ensured that the boys remained top of the league setting up a potential winner takes all clash, with the undefeated Fiskerton, later in the season.

http://newarkcyl.play-cricket.com/leagueTables/divisionTable.asp?id=6238&seasonid=24

One Ell' Of A Knock

2011-06-12T13:15:00.006Z

Bat First Keyworth got back on track with a comprehensive win over fellow village residents Willoughby.

Leading wicket taker Strong was absent, along with Day Hiller. Day had a tissue thin plot to cover up a mucky weekend away, but bringing in twin sister Andy was never going to wash with the KCC heirarchy.

Tinno had no hesitation in batting first after winning the toss. Most spectators delayed their arrival to allow the Skipper time to play himself in, and the Postman delivered once again, taking 20 balls to get off the mark. Tuckers was overjoyed as it aided his need for sleep after a 4am finish, and spent the rest of the innings working through Super-Scorer Shelley's emergency first aid supplies. The Skipper reached 10 before perishing. XX Dale meanwhile was more fluent reaching 24 before slicing to gully.

One-Man-Team Graham was demoted from his usual opening spot on his return to the team, Tinno indicating that he couldn't dictate his place, and that there was only one captain, though quite which of the Miller's seven on-field skippers had made the decision was unclear. Jay fell quickly to a good ball for a duck, then Rocket was quite rightly fined half his match fee for not walking for an LBW that he middled!

At 66-4 after 20 overs we were in a spot of bother. The Chairman found himself in an unaccustomed no.6 spot but was in reality opening the innings to occupy the crease alongside IG. Bomber battling demons, berating himself after every ball that wasn't smashed for 6. With counselling sessions arranged between balls, Drurs reminded him that the pitch was more like batting at St.Ives than St.Edmunds, and guided them to a partnership of 107.

Iggy slowly got on top of the bowling, and bludgeoned his way to 81 off 70 balls, before holing out in the deep, like Bradman leaving his average on 98 for the season. The away side celebrated as if they'd won promotion, especially as we were down to a tail of Benji, Tom and Bobby....! Ben told Drurs he was going to have a look for a while, and promptly smashed his second ball for 6. He followed this with three more blows straight out of the ground, to win the day's longest drive, on the way to a fantastic 42 off 22 balls.

80 came off the last 10 overs, with even Drurs hitting a 6 as we posted 254 off our 45 overs. Tom got some valuable batting time in the last over, to allow Drurs to rest on his bat for a red-inker, 67 not out off 70 balls.

Tea by Justine was another impressive spread. Fruit kebabs were a joy, but were overlooked by Bobby, "not enough meat on those for me". The Youth Policy wolfed down old skool cheese and pickle sandwiches, but the highlights were home recipe millionaire's shortbread and jam scones that crumbled beautifully, a bit like our pitch.

In reply Rocket steamed in down the hill, still fuming at his earlier dismissal. Our batters roared him on delighted not to be facing. Steve deserved far better than his figures of 1-23 off 8, but this was a case of softening up the batters for wickets to fall at the other end. Andy Hiller-Sister took a wicket with his 4th ball, as Tom took a good catch off a top edge, and ran through the top order taking 5-55 off 10 overs.

A fly-past from a Lancaster Bomber was quite appropriate as Bobby licked his lips at bowling into the craters left from Rocket's earlier shells. The away side had no answer to back-page Baker who mopped up the tail with the same relish as the tea time sausage rolls, his 3-25 ending with a Warne-like bowled round the legs.

This was our best fielding display of the year. Dale pouched a sharp catch, Tom took a fine low edge, and Benji was even backing up his own throws! But Drurs awarded himself the fielding point, amazingly finding himself at cover point, and then pulling off a diving stop, to general disbelief.

A day when everything went right in the field as Willoughby were dismissed for 117 to see us take a maximum 20 points.

Waltham Mastered

2011-06-07T19:38:00.002Z

Some good news to round off the weekend as Legge's Sunday Eleven comfortably won away at Waltham.

See-Soar and Billy opened up and put on 50 between them, before fellow youngsters Sam and Zac put on a further 80 to see us to 191-8.

Waltham got about 100 in reply.

Grizzly at Risley

2011-06-04T20:12:00.010Z

The Firsts travelled into Hazzard County to the picturesque Risley ground. The squad was as threadbare as the gusset on Bobby's whites, with ex-Minor Counties star Graham, and young guns Benji and Tommy away. We also weren't helped by Boom Boom's freak lawnmower accident. The Treetops Retirement home adjoining the ground was staging an Open Day with news that Cowlard and Drurs were once again pressed into service. Cowlard though was in his element with Risley surely the only ground with a pool table in the away dressing room.

Stand-in skipper Bobby lost the toss and we bowled first. Despite only getting a supporting mention in this week's Post 'and Dave Strong' was given choice of ends in keeping with being the side's leading wicket taker. Ex-French International, and Varsity Blue, Rocket Rendu was forced to bowl up the hill and sulked. The home side mastered our opening pair reaching 50 without loss by the 11th over.

Spin twins Baker and Day Hiller-Sister pulled back the rate with Jay taking a sharp catch at slip. Bobby deserved better than a single wicket, and if he'd had three arms would have postured a triple teapot, as AC somehow lost his bearings taking a catch at deep mid off only to find his feet on the boundary line. Day was the pick of the bowlers with 3-43 off 11.

Billy just pipped See-Saw for the fielding point, a studs up slide on the boundary the highlight of which any Notts County centre half would have been proud.

Tea was a solid spread. Pasta salad was a highlight, along with retro snowballs with 98% sugar content.

Beakey and XX Dale got off to a great start reaching 50 in the 13th over, and put on 85 before Dale went for a fine 43. Two overs later Beakey followed for 35. Drurs walked plum LBW first ball and at 86-3 we were on the back foot.

Jay 18 and Rocket 14 found boundaries hard to come by and the run rate required climbed steadily from 6 through to 11.

Bobby gave us hope smashing 22 off an over but perished for 28. Strongy ended up on 26 for his usual red-inker.

At 188-7 we were well short at the close.

N-n-n-n-n-n-Nineteen

2011-06-04T19:23:00.001Z

A dismal day for an inexperienced Stiffs side, dismissed for only 19 at home against Bingham, as our last 5 batters all made ducks.

In reply the away side knocked off the runs in just 6 balls.

Seconds Creche At Thrumpton

2011-05-31T20:39:00.002Z

Leggy reports from the windy city of Thrumpton.........

The Seconds travelled to the scene of one of our more cherished recent memories. They still talk fondly in these parts of Pete Hardy’s backward somersault into the adjoining field. Fortunately this year the gale force wind meant you were more likely to hit THE WALL of the pavilion.

Captain Ted (with 10 working toes, but not for long) was promoted to the Firsts leaving babysitting duties to AC. It looked a good toss to lose when we had the opposition 14-2 with Ben Healey bowling the opener in his first over, followed by Cowlard also snagging one. But the strong sideways wind was proving difficult to bowl in, especially for the youth policy. The remaining opener, Kamran Rashid, and various middle order chums picked off the numerous bad balls and made particular use of the very short pavilion side boundary.

The bowlers, led by AC’s in-swingers (3-38) and The Boss’s mixture of military medium and off-breaks stuck gamely to their task. On his way to 92, Rashid, rode his luck with two drops courtesy of See-Soar and Dunc before losing his middle stump to Sam Nice, who finished with 3 wickets.

The home side closed with 190-9 off their 40 overs and we gained some valuable bowling experience for the youth quartet of Sam, Ben, Billy Harrison and Josh Stolworthy.

The tea was one of the better efforts found on our travels, with a dish of buttered new potatoes an unusual sighting.

Our shortness of batting, no pun intended Ernie, plus the wind dropping several notches of ‘The Beaufort Scale’ made us very reliant on our four recognised batsmen. Ernie and Dunc (not one of the aforementioned) got us off to a brisk start before Ernie played one of his more forgettable hoicks.

Dunc and his middle-less firewood candidate soon followed leaving a lot on the shoulders of Phil Dearden and AC. They saw off the opening pair and began to milk a few boundaries off the change bowlers, including a six for Phil amongst his top score of 36. They got us within sight of the hundred mark when the skipper skied a leading edge which was well held by the Thrumpton youth policy. This lead to a steady procession as their main man, Rashad, went through our tail like a dose of salts, finishing with 6-17.

Though a final score of 95 all out was disappointing there was at least some vital experience gained for our younger players.

2010 Junior Awards

2011-05-30T15:38:00.011Z

The 2010 KCC Junior Awards finally took place on the 16th of May 2011... but was well worth the wait as Mick Newell, the Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket (and second best coach in the family, not my words!) presented the trophies.

Under 12s Batsman of the Year
Joe Nice

Under 12s Fielder of the Year

Tom Blacklock

Under 12s Most Improved Player of the Year

Toby Kitching

Under 13s Batsman of the Year

Tom Newell

Under 13s Bowler of the Year

Ben Healey

Under 13s Fielder of the Year

Dominc Steiner

Barry Baker Junior Player of the Year 2010

Joe Nice

Under 13 Newark League Representatives

Tom Newell, (Mick Newell) Joe Nice, Isaac Brown, Ben Healey

Under 13 Newark League Champions 2010

Back row (l-r) (Mick Newell) Harry Stolworthy, Mackenzie Shepherd, Ben Healey, Greg Mills (vc), Dominic Steiner.

Front low (l-r) Tom Newell, Isaac Brown, Joe Nice, Jack Cairns, Peter Hennessy (wk)

Missing - Harry Normington (c), Zachary Tudor, Tom Rock, Josh Coulthard

Under 13s Batsman of the year: Harry Normington

Under 12s Bowler of the Year: Tom Rock

Great Response

2011-05-30T15:02:00.004Z

The 13s were looking to make it 5 out of 5 on the road to Bottesford.

Shepherd (2-0-3-0) bowled economically but needed to be fuller and straighter to trouble the batsman. With Bottesford 7 without loss off 3 it looked as though the squeeze would be applied but...

Again, another thorough pre match warm up appeared to go in one ear and out the other. Balls were waved to the boundary and disappeared through legs and non existant long barriers which was doing nothing for Tuckwell and Legge's blood pressure.

The Bottesford top order began to make hay - crashing a mammonth 42 runs in 5 woeful overs.

Nice was brought into the fray to lead by example and soon created surely some history (Barry you'll have to confirm) BACK TO BACK HATRICKS - his first delivery whistled past the batsman and caught the faintest of inside edges that, you guessed it, Blacklock duly pouched.

Bottesford 61-2 off 10

Newell and Wilson were unable to make a break through as the home side were handily placed with 5 overs to go.

Finally, some inspired fielding and straight bowling halted the carnage. 2 super run outs, thanks to great hands from Blacklock, were followed up with 2 wickets from Cairns (2-0-7-2) Malik bowled a magnificent penultimate over leaving Bottesford on 92-6.

Flewitt delivered another all action over. First Kitching hit the stumps direct before Malik and Shepherd were both at full stretch to roll the tail over.

Bottesford 93-9 off 18

Newell, Tuckwell and Legge all vented some mild disappointed after the fielding display but praised the tail end of the innings and instilled some batting belief.

Nice and Chamberlain set off like rockets amassing 60 in a chanceless opening 9 overs. Nice, on 33, was set to retire with one more boundary. This looked on with a full blooded straight drive. Unfortunately for Joe (and the bowler) the ball clattered into the bowler at warp factor 9 - somehow sticking between knees and midriff and leaving the bowler with a wicket but in a crumpled tear stained heap on the floor.

Chamberlain followed the next over for an excellent 21. Newell (13*) and Shepherd (11*) closed the match out in the 13th over for maximum points.

Keyworth 94-2 off 12.3

U12s Secure Maiden Victory.

2011-05-30T14:41:00.004Z

The U12s played their first league game of the season - an 8 aside pairs game against Ellerslie at the Field of Dreams.

A straight forward concept. Each team starts on 200 runs. Each pair bats for 4 overs. 6 ball overs with +2 runs for no balls and wides. -6 runs for each dismissal. The art - valuing your wickets bowling straight.

Keyworth batted first and Blacklock and Burns put on 20 without loss to set the platform. Chamberlain and Wilson added another 20 but each saw their stumps rearranged, swinging across the line. 40 - 2 off 8

Walker played a perfect innings, whilst only 2 were scored off the bat 10 extras were accumulated resuting in the highest score of the night. Baines crashed an excellent boundary but missed a straight one the next delivery.

Cox and Phoenix closed the innings - adding a further 15 runs for the loss of 2 wickets.

Keyworth: 279-5 (-30) therefore setting a total of 250 for victory.

The Ellerslie openers made steady progress before Baines nipped one back in the 4th over. 214-1.

Chamberlain and Cox both made a break through in their second overs. Walker proving alert to instigate an excellent run out off the bowling of Chamberlain. Cox then bowling full and straight. 229-3 off 8

Walker (2-1-9-2) then justified his man of the match performance with a clean bowled and setting up a smart catch for Baines as he finished with a wicket maiden. Wilson was not to be outdone claiming a clean bowled himself. 244-6 off 12

Burns and Blacklock took the contest out of reach of the visitors with a wicket a piece to leave Ellerslie on 264-8 (-48) a nett total of 216.

Keyworth won by 33 runs.

Snap Happy

2011-05-29T08:37:00.000Z

Saturday saw the official KCC photo call to recognise the support of our sponsors.

Many thanks to The Adonis for taking the snaps.

Postman Delivers

2011-05-28T19:42:00.017Z

Another top team effort saw the Firsts convincingly beat West Bridgfordians to stay top of the League.

After a butter-fingered start to the season, many cynics reckoned we couldn't catch a cold, but Kitcho proved the doubters wrong, turning up with a dose of man flu. XX Dale was a late absentee, but our investment in youth again paid dividends with young pup Boom Boom stepping up.

Tinno lost the toss and was surprised to have the chance to bowl first on a bowler friendly surface at the Field of Dreams. Strongy pleaded with Tinno to bowl down the hill: "I guarantee I'll get you three wickets", was a bullish shout, especially when Day Hiller splilled an early chance with tea making marge still on his hands. Still, after 10 overs the away side were under the cosh at 17-2 with Drurs and Beakey showing safer hands. WB's no.4 came in and smashed a rapid 33 off 22 balls, until strangled down the leg side by Strongy, was as good as his word, proving harder to part with the ball than Barcelona, finishing with 4-39 off his 10 overs.

Bobby kept up the pressure with some tight flight. Tinno tried in vain to push the field back, but got short shrift, a quick conversation between captain and vice ended with captain agreeing that vice was right; "I haven't bowled for 20 years to have my field set for me", growled the Big Bear, on the way to 4-32. Strongy took a fine catch in the deep, but was pipped to the fielding award by Tuckers who pouched a steepling slog on the boundary at long on, somehow landing inside the rope. Day Hiller supported well with 1-28, and brother Andy threw in a rocket for a run out off the last ball of the innings to see us to maximum bowling points, WB's all out for 151.

Not for the first time, The Hiller Sisters copied Tinno's lead, producing an almost identical tea. The opposition were full of compliments for the tea ladies, tucking in with relish to the impressive chicken tikka on french bread, while cherry Bakewells caught the Chairman's retro eye. Less successful was the fresh pasta surprise, quickly uncovered as a student's store cupboard favourite.

In contrast, the Youth Policy's watching mates had a gourmet feast; dressed crab, quails' eggs and Moroccan couscous being washed down by champagne and chianti.

In reply, Tinno's plan was to simply keep wickets in hand, though he took this to the extreme, still stuck on 1 after facing 35 balls, all but blunting the tip of super scorer Shelley's coloured pen. The Skip was struggling with the slow pitch, playing far too early on two short balls that crashed into his bread basket. Fortunately Ted didn't need any extra padding against the quickies, and was tucking into anything short with the same gusto as the tea time sausage rolls, making a fine 37 in an opening stand of 75.

Against the change bowling the Postman delivered some knock out blows needing only 50 more balls to reach 61 before top edging to the keeper. Jay (27*) and Drurs (15*) saw us home comfortably without further loss to claim the maximum 20 points.

Plumtree Felled

2011-05-23T17:25:00.007Z

2 wins at the Field of Dreams over the previous 2 nights were put into the shade, as the 14s served up a sparkling performance to dump fierce neighbours and rivals Plumtree out of the cup.

Having come within 5 balls of a maiden victory last year this years' triumph was achieved in style - bouncing back after last weeks' horror show against Wollaton.

Normington won the toss and inserted the oppostion on a slow wicket. Healey (4-0-12-3) and Brown (4-1-17-1) were superb immediatlely putting the squeeze on the plums. A wicket maiden in Brown's penultimate over created the break through - Hennessy holding the faintest of edges behind the stumps.

Healey was unlucky to only have 1 wicket to his name with his final over approaching. He narrowly missed a trio of caught and bowled chances that landed agonisingly away from the finger tips. However, joy and reward were round the corner as Hennessy claimed his second catch then ex-plum Machin raced round from mid-on to snaffle one at his ankles. The over was not finished as Brown was lobbed by a unfortunate the bobble. The Plums duo unwisely chanced a second, Brown recovered and Hennessy did the rest.

Plums: 21-5 off 8

Tudor (4-1-12-1) turned the screw further. Healey taking a regulation catch to send Palmer Jnr back into the hutch. While Steiner opened with a wicket maiden and maiden to finish with 3-2-4-2.

Vice Captain Mills required 4 balls to mop of the tail, clean bowling 10 and 11.

Plumtree: 49 all out off 15.4 - Tremendous.

A low but potentially difficult run chase was made tougher as Palmer sent Normington back to the pavillion in the 1st over. A battle of attrition followed as great line and length contained Newell and Machin, forcing the latter to hole out at midwcket in the 6th over. Newell (4) followed in the 10th over after stubborn resistance.

Keyworth: 22-3 off 10.

Tuckwell was beginning to get twitchy but needn't have worried as Healey punished the bad delivery to the boundary ably supported by Brown. Within a run of retiring, Healey (29) was bowled, but the finishing line was in sight after the match winning knock. Stolly had the honour of crashing the winning runs over the boundary to see us home in the 13th over.

Jubilation all round and thoroughly deserved. Brilliant.

Next round, a quarter final against West Bridgfordians

Mac and Jack to the Rescue

2011-05-23T14:39:00.000Z

The 13s hosted Bingham in the league, having already desposed of them in the cup. The selectors were without captain Nice, who was in a cup final of his own as the football season keeps trundling on.

Chamberlain and Blacklock opened up but Chamberlain was back after the very first delivery presenting a straight forward cauhgt and bowled. It's happened to the best Miles, head up. Blacklock followed in the 2nd over playing across a straight one. The pitch was proving toublesome and Newell never looked comfortable cutting to point for 8.

The KCC innings looked on the ropes at 22-3 off 6 but cometh the hour cometh Cairns and Shepherd. The pair played out a superb 70 run partnership in 11 overs. Shepherd crashing some majestic cover drives and Cairns strong off his legs.

Both departed in the penultimate over, looking to push the score beyond the 100 mark. Both recorded a season high, Shepherd for 28 and Cairns for 24.

Luke Brown (5*) and Ollie Burns (1*) saw the innings conclude on 99 - 5 off 18.

The Bingham response never had chance to ignite with an impressive bowling and fielding display. Kitching took a tremendous catch off Shepherd to remove the big hitting opener of fthe 3rd ball. Chamberlain struck twice in his opening over - on both occasions rearranging the stumps.

Bingham: 12 - 3 off 4

Flewitt added to last week's wicket tally as did Kitching and Burns. Baines was miserly off his 2 overs only conceding 4 runs and was superb in the field. A smart piece of fielding to Blacklock saw the number 6 run out.

With the Bingham tail only batting to 10, due to an injury, Luke Brown finished up matters. Firstly, Newell taking a tidy catch then Blacklock improving his already blossoming credentials with his 5th stumping of the season.

Bingham: 49 all out in 13

4 out of 4 and top of the league.

Not at the Races

2011-05-23T14:01:00.001Z

Wollaton breezed in and out of Keyworth with a thumping victory as the 14s failed to show up.

With all of the established teams having a trio of stars all regularly retiring in super quick time -The message was of containment. Unfortunaltely this was in one ear and out the other as a series of leg stump full tosses were launched over the boundary ropes.

Brown (4-0-14-1) was the only bowler to finish with respectable figures as first the opener then number 3 raced to 53* and 50* in the blink of an eye. Averaging 6 an over for the first 10, the Wollaton top order were brutal in the second half of the innings, as the final 10 overs went for 86 runs.

Wollaton: 146 - 2 off 20

The reply never got going as a steady procession of wickets fell at more than regular intervals. Machin was desperatelt unlucky to get a first baller having played the ball in to the ground before it was taken at slip.

Newell (11*) was unflappable offering a fine defence and despatching the 4 ball but was to find himself shy of partners. Brown raised the spirits briefly with superb footwork to hit a majestic innings high 13, coming in at 9. Not a tail ender any more young man!

A disappointing and early night, as we were skittled for just 54 runs in the 14th over.

A massive response required for the Plums next week.

Kinoulton Stumped

2011-05-23T13:33:00.002Z

The 13s turned on the style, eventually, away at Kinoulton. Each over was surpassed by more drama and excitement than the last.

The home side bats first in the Newark League so the KCC XI sprung onto the pitch after a thorough and extensive warm up routine from Newell and Legge. Somewhere from springing over the boundary marker to reaching the square the promise of electrifying fielding and unplayable bowling had evaporated with a series of of megs, toe danglings, byes and short deliveries.

Kinoulton: 40-1 off 7 with Newell shaking his head at square leg. One shining light amongst the opening carnage was Chamberlain (2-1-2-0) who bowled exceptionally.

Cairns (2-1-1-0) stemmed the flow at one end as Luke Brown (2-1-7-2) reaped the rewards at the other end - bowling the opener, and thankful to Kitching's safe pair of hands for his second. Newell (2-0-3-0) and Burns (2-0-5-0) then upped the ante again as the run rate slowed to snails pace.

Kinoulton: 55-3 off 14

With Kinoulton potentially set for a final four over onslaught, Flewitt turned in a headline making 2 over spell with his 1st, 2nd and 3rd wickets in KCC colours finishing with figures of 2-0-4-3 - a clean bowled and Cairns and Shepherd safe under the others.

Flewitt's headlines would have to wait as Nice and Blacklock raised the standard into stratospheric proportions. Nice claimed a wicket on his first ball after a smart stumping from Blacklock. Tuckwell was unaware of the significance until Neecey Snr was spotted bouncing up and down his van - HAT TRICK - this after Neecy Jnr had polished off the Burton Joyce innings with his final 2 deliveries the week previous.

There was still more to follow as Nice and Blacklock combined a further 3 times in the final over of the innings all in the same manner - Bowled Nice - stumped Blacklock, leaving Blacklock with 4 stumpings and Nice with tremendous figures of 2-1-4-4 including his hat trick. 2 wickets in his final 2 deliveries leaving him on another potential hat trick - Quality!

Kinoulton: 64 all out.

In reply Nice set off like a train, seeing it like a football, but didn't fully commit to a leg side swipe and was caught in the covers for 13. Chamberlain (7) followed closely, not before an exquisite lofted straight drive. Newell was playing a trademark innings as Shepherd came an went. Cairns joined Newell at the crease with 20 required. Masterful calling and chanceless running saw the finishing line crossed with 7 overs to spare.

Keyworth: 66 - 3 off 10.5

Bring On The Wall

2011-05-22T07:28:00.008Z

The Stiffs hosted Caunton at the F of D. First the minor details: we lost. Caunton ran up over 200 despite good bowling once again from youngsters Ben Healey and Sam Nice. In reply we lost wickets too regularly to be in the hunt, and despite a good 20 odd from Liam, we fell well short.

Of more importance, Cowlard and Drurs were devastated to miss Alesandra's leggendaria festa italiana, with barbabietole e sorpresa arancione and pasta al tonno the expected highlights.

Of even more importance were the weekly antics of the clown prince of Keyworth Cricket.

Our hero had bowled 11 tight overs down the hill for just 16 runs, picking up a valuable wicket. Then, pulling up a little gingerly, Leggy's face suddenly turned a violent shade off of pink; "that's it, I can't go on Ted, I've hit the wall", shreiked The Boss, and with that staggered off to the deep with legs made of jelly.

Eleven Man Team

2011-05-21T20:22:00.014Z

The Firsts silenced the critics who had dubbed us a one man team, with a great all round win on the road at Long Whatton.

In team news, we were missing one-man-team Iggy, captain Tinno, and the Long Haired Buffoon, but stand-in skipper Bobby was able to call on Second team stalwarts Drurs, Cowlard and Kitch, to add experience if not athleticism.

KCC's pin up boy Tommy Randall was desperate to get his pretty-boy face on the official squad photo, so much so that he turned up a week early at the F of D, to find only Leggy for company, buttering bread for the Stiff's banchetto Italiano.

Meanwhile Jay was doing his utmost to avoid opening, reportly going via the Aslockton, rather than the Long, version of Whatton, wheel-spinning in as the bell was rung to start play.

The home side limbered up with all mannner of core skill drills. Meanwhile Strongy and Benji casually played keepy-uppy which was to come back to haunt later.

Bobby lost the toss and we were inserted with Drurs pushed in to open with XX Dale. This was a sporting wicket all day, doing plenty off the seam, with the odd shooter, and you never felt in.

We got off to a rattling start, riding a bit of luck, to get to 40, before Dale got a beauty to be caught behind off a thin inside edge for 14. Benji also got a jaffa that clipped the top of off for 5.

Jay came in out of form, and continued in that vein, scratching around for 40 balls for 10, making Shelley's book look like it was completed in braille. Patience paid off though as he cruised through the gears with some silky straight drives scoring 50off the next 30 balls on the way to a fine 60. His partnership of 130 with The Chairman was the backbone of our innings. Drurs went from zero last week, to hero this, with a patient 87, including 14 4's and a 6, before playing on in sight of three figures.

Some good slogging and unselfish batting took us to 211-8 at tea, Kitch smashing a huge six over mid wicket, off the inside edge!

Bashful Bobby had avoided a photo opportunity for his Wisden 'Cricketer of the Month' award for six months, mainly due to Wisden taking all of those six months to deliver his new bat, but was finally snapped by the Chairman's camera to celebrate his record breaking performance at Bottesford last season.

The usual majestic Long Whatton tea was a tad below previous efforts, but was still fine fayre, potato salad a highlight for those at the front of the queue, Grandma's recipe marmalade cake the treat for those bringing up the rear. Strongy jumped to the top of Super-scorer Shelley's favourite's list by clearing up the plates, hoovering up sausage rolls on the way.

In reply, Captain Baker had a Dad's Army attack at his disposal. Cowlard, Strongy and Mervyn trundled in with no luck, not helped by Benji and Strongy himself dropping clangers, regretting warming up with their feet rather than hands before the game, earning this week's detention from Mr. Tuckwell.

At 50 without loss we needed a wicket, and Bobby seized the initiative with a beautifully tossed up clean bowled. The home side reached 120-2 off 30 overs, and the game was in the balance. Our bowling though was tight, and ground fielding solid, as we strangled the scoring, with the required rate rising to 6, 7, 8 then 9.

Kitch bowled through tightly for 1-48, AC came back well to claim 2-55, Strongy finished well with 3-25, but the skipper was the pick with a finely flighted 3-39. Ben Thompson once again took the fielding point with safe hands under a skyer.

With storm clouds gathering, and an unlikely 40 needed off 4 overs, Strongy had the umpire reaching for the light meter with a throat high beamer. But we were well ahead on the Tuckwell-Lewis method and this merely delayed the inevitable, as we restricted the home side to 175-9. A great all round team effort that earned us 19 points.

Sight For Soar Eyes

2011-05-19T18:43:00.000Z

The Stiffs had a great win on the road last Saturday. Guest blogger Mr Dearden reports.........

Keyworth took to the field in Arnold against Basford, as is the habit of this league, having already been at Nuthall to play Kimberley. No doubt our match against HG Carrington Caribs will be moved to Tobago!

Anyway buoyed by their comfortable heroics the week before this was week 3 in the club search for Drurs' “Apprentice"; Dearden and Beake having already staked an early claim for the run-machine’s spot, and Cowlard having already been fired into the 1st team.

Having decided to bowl on a strip which was the same colour as the outfield, runs looked like they could be as precious as diamonds in a north Notts mine, with overcast clouds requiring full winter wear for the fielders. A slow start, consisting of erratic deliveries from Liam and, well, Leggy at the other end, meant Basford got off to a decent start, a couple of drops in the field not helping the cause.

The breakthrough came after a short time out was called by Ted, sensing that Beakey needed a fag break and Leggy a Bowel Break (as opposed to an off break). The skipper brought himself on and turned in an inspired spell of bowling. Rolling back the years he bowled five consecutive maidens, including a double wicket maiden in the fourth over. We made regular in-roads into their line up and with some excellent backup bowling from Sam Nice, who bowled some beautiful deliveries, and Ben Healey, who also proved a problem for the Basford line-up, Keyworth restricted the opposition to 157/8. Leggy picked up a couple, but Ted proved the spin master with 12-5-39-3. Fielding highlight was a fine catch from Joe Nice, watched by his dad, sitting in his van listening to the cup final.

Tea was average, not helped by the fact you could see the Greggs in Arnold town centre whilst fielding at deep backward square leg, but snowballs were retro highlights, not that the kids could understand Ted’s glee when spotting them nestled in between an array of jam tarts.

Keyworth’s reply was not dissimilar to the pitch. Highs and lows, one past the glove, or head in Ernie’s case, closely followed by one along the ground, which unfortunately for Ernie hit his leg, which was unfortunately in his crease, which was unfortunately in front of the stumps, which unfortunately meant he was out.

Beakey, came in, played some great shots, but then was accounted for by the same method of madness. Phil came out, was told by Ted to watch the low bounce, then was promptly dropped at slip by a riser off his glove. Ted looked in good nick and then top edged one.

A mix match of bad shots, meant Keyworth struggled to 49-5, with five senior players back in the hutch and only Paul Lay left as a recognisable batsman. We had Leggy of course, but then he only scored 30 runs all last season in the 2nd XI, so there was not much obvious hope there. However, cometh the hour, cometh the man. Leggy matched all his innings from last year in one fell swoop, hitting an entertaining 29, as together with Paul they put on 66 for the 6th wicket. Paul looked in great form, putting Forest’s playoff troubles to one side, he played some great shots.

When Leggy was out at 115/6 the final total still looked a long way off, as See-Soar strode out to the crease. However, after a 20 minute coaching session with Ted (whilst Leggy was still batting – we didn’t make them wait), Chris played a mature and sensible innings, providing an able back-up to Paul’s match winning knock of 46, which included a fine 6 of the last ball to give the Stiffs maximum batting points.

Soar finished 28*, his highest score for Keyworth, and a very positive sign for the future. Indeed the performance of all the juniors was a huge positive and a massive step forward for the guys involved. Keyworth finished 163/6 off 40 overs, with time and young confident batsmen to spare!

No one was fired by Drurs this week, but the search for his apprentice is hotting up...

Top Heavy Leggy

2011-05-15T18:45:00.002Z

Legge's Sunday Eleven won away at Ellerslie giving our Youth Policy more valuable match experience. We made 120 odd, mainly thanks to 50 from Beakey. The innings ended in the last over predictably with Leggy triggered first ball.

Tea was once again one of the best. Prawn mayonnaise cobs were a joy, fruit loaf a close second, though the Youth Policy were more interested in the jelly beans and marshmallows, sending them out early for hyper-active practice while the old heads settled in for a second cuppa.

Our bowling was splendid with youngsters Josh Stolworthy and Ben Healey bowling great spells. Fielding was the usual comical excellence. See-Soar tried in vain to claim an assist after dropping a fierce drive only for Beakey to strike a run out with a direct hit.

Even more predictably The Boss was at his princely best. A leading edge saw our hero scuttle from slip to pouch the catch, only for his high centre of gravity to take over and topple into a heap of flailing arms and legs, giving plenty of case study material for the juniors studing Newton's laws of physics. Leggy blamed his three course roast pork evening meal for his top heavy over-balancing, and a bad ankle from tripping down the stairs - not bad for one who lives in a bungalow!!

Harry Stolworthy wrapped things up with a great four wicket burst to bowl the home side out for 80.

£35,000 Up For Grabs

2011-05-15T11:32:00.003Z

Cash For Your Community – We need your help!

The Nottingham Post & Nottingham Building Society has chosen KCC as one of 300 groups to have the fantastic opportunity to receive a share of £35000.

We need to collect vouchers appearing in the Post from May 25 to June 17. The more coupons we collect, the more money we stand to receive, all of which will strengthen our Junior Section with new equipment and coaching courses.

We would like your help to collect tokens. We will have collection boxes throughout the village at Petal & Pearls, Bob Green’s, Salutation Inn, Keyworth Leisure Centre, Crossdale, Willowbrook and Nottingham Road Primary schools, along with South Wolds.

Please drop your collected tokens in to these points or bring them up to the cricket pavilion on any Saturday afternoon. Thank you!

For more details, see Cliff

Keyworth Six Points

2011-05-14T20:39:00.007Z

A poor show at the business end of both innings' saw us slump to defeat against Thrumpton, despite a wonderful all round effort from IG.

The Field of Dreams had the feel of a Lowry landscape with grey clouds and biting winds all afternoon. Tinno won the toss and bowled first, mainly to save fielding in sub zero temps after tea. Super scorer Shelley was delighted with our new gazebo, triple sided, and better insulated than a 10 tog duvet.

Tinno was missing regulars Rocket, Bobby and XX Dale, but the investment in our youth policy paid dividends with arthritic 40-somethings Graham, Cowlard and Drury, adding experience if not mobility to the side.

AC and Strongy bowled tight opening spells. On the plus side, Tom took a fine diving catch, and Ben Thompson had a great debut in the field to take the day's fielding award, first quick out of the blocks to create a run out, and then taking a fine swirling catch.

On the other hand, Mr Tuckwell was dishing out 100 lines and detentions for the usual petulance and butter fingered fumbles. Cowlard bowled a head high beamer from which Day Hiller took a sharp diving catch. AC was unhappy at the late no-ball call and half-volleyed the ball over the boundary, lucky to escape with just a glare from Dimps, rather than four overthrows! Day was another to go into the notebook, somehow managing to get three F's into one foul mouthed outburst, for a wide that pitched almost off the square!

Tom was having trouble dealing with Iggy's spitting spinners, and finally lost patience, yelling "for Christ's sake", at the very moment that the Vicar of Keyworth emerged from behind the sightscreen! Tinno was another on the way to Sunday confessional, clearly still with tea time marge on his hands, spilling chances no 4 and 5 of a clumsy early season. Meanwhile, Jay was more agile than Lee Camp tipping an exocet over the boundary for six.

Even so, we had the visitors firmly in check for most of the innings, well on top at 134-5 off 39 overs. Sadly the last six overs went for 73 mainly due to some excellent batting. Still, 209-6 at tea felt a score well within our reach. AC took 2-60, Strongy 2-44, but Iggy was the pick with 1 for just 21 off 12 overs.

Tea was 100% by Tinno and was a fine effort, if lacking a little creative flair. The chicken fajita on french sticks, and fresh pasta with basil infusion were highlights, alongside the more run-of-the-mill Wm Morrisons basics.

Our reply was dominated by another inspired innings from IG. 117 from 95 balls including 7 sixes was a joy to watch, and deserved better.

Sadly the rest of our batters resembled the scorecard of a Eurovision voting jury. Tinno scooped 12 points, but our middle order made less impact than Jedward and the boys from Bluu, mustering just a further 12 between them (Jay 3, Drurs 0, Ben 5, Tom 4). Strongy nipped in with 8 before holing out in the deep. With the rate rising, Bomber was finally out, leaving AC and the tail to limp to 188-9 to at least claim maximum batting points.

Tea Time

2011-05-13T17:53:00.002Z

Today sees the official launch of the this year's must have tea break accessory. The KCC Mug comes in a range of one colour and is priced at just £5.

Firsts Remain Unbeaten

2011-05-07T19:29:00.001Z

Heavy rain north of the River saw our trip to Nuthall postponed.

Beakey Blasts Borough

2011-05-07T18:56:00.009Z

A welcome first win for the Stiffs at home to Attenborough. A bone dry pitch emerged from under the covers after swift work by Cowlard and son with morning rain circling the Field of Dreams.

We bowled first and restricted Attenborough to 147-8 off a reduced 36 overs.

This was an innings of two edges. Cowlard and Beakey were convinced of an edge behind. Your reporter heard nothing from beyond the boundary, but more importantly umpire Dimps was unmoved. Beakey lost half his match fee by rolling the ball back at Dimps in frustration, and was fit to explode when the batsman apologised for not walking.

Several overs later it was the same combination as Butch dived to take a smart catch from a ball that seemed to be a bump ball. However the batsman walked and honours were even.

Around this storm in a tea cup our fielding was excellent. Sam Nice took a smart catch and then threw in for a run out to take the day's fielding point. Chris See-Soar and Young Macca were also sharp in the field.

Leggy was a little out of sorts having missed his eight hours of beauty sleep, after a 2 am arrival home. The Boss had about 30 yards variation in length, and was in danger of being locked in Ted's new coffin, but had the last laugh taking a wicket off the final ball to get us a third bowling point. Liam was the pick of the bowlers taking 3-31.

Tea by Ted was a plentiful affair, enough to satisfy even the hungry First Teamers. Apricot jam tarts were your reporter's retro favourite.

In reply Ted and Ernie made over a 100, years that is. Ern as usual hit the ball to places where a field couldn't be set on the way to 25. Boom Boom looked set to bat through until a rush of blood saw him chip to mid on for 37.

Beakey played the innings of the day making exactly 50. It was hard to choose between a glorious extra cover drive and a deft guide through third man as the shot of the day. In any case Cowlard took that award with a straight six into the compound. Kitch chipped a quick 10, and Leggy defended one end, to allow AC (21 n/o) to seal the win with a trademark mow to mid wicket.

A comfortable six wicket win and 19 points in the bag.

Points on the Board

2011-05-07T12:07:00.005Z

Ellerslie were the visitors as the 14s looked to bounce back from the previous nights defeat.

Normington, with plenty of confidence, won the toss and elected to bat. Some fantastic running and fine calling saw Keyworth race on to 25 after 4 overs.

A quick single too far accounted for Nomington (6) as he picked out the wrong fielder - whose accurate throw removed the bails with the skipper a yard out.

Under 12s starlet, Chamberlain, then sacrificed himself as a mix up in communication led to another run out. The pair just crossing to keep Healey at the crease. A brave decision Miles - very courageous.

Keyworth: 27 for 2 off 5.

Machin continued where he'd left off the night previous. The wagon wheel showing magnificent strength on the off side. Excellent running with Healey saw the pair amass an excellent 71 run partnership before Machin (34) fell in the penultimate over. An excellent knock in 11 overs - just what was required.

Stolworthy came to the crease amid huge cheers and defended the first ball to perfection. The last ball of the innings also brought great cheers, for different reasons. A swing and a miss saw Stolly set off down the track. However, the ball was firmly in the keepers mitts and the bails duly removed. Healey finished on 39 not out - carrying his bat. A super well crafted innings, well done Ben.

103-4 off 18

Legge and Tuckwell got out the WD40 to help the fielding and it was to prove just the tonic.

Steiner and Brown opened up tidily aid by some good work in the field. Steiner (3-0-9-1) opened his account with swinging one back into to the opener, in his final over.

Ellerslie: 23-1 off 5

Spin kings, Mills and Tudor, then turned the game on it's head. Hennessy taking the first of 3 terrific catches behind the stumps off Mills' first over.

Tudor (3-1-2-4) then proceeded to rip through the middle order with 4 wickets in 7 deliveries. The hat trick ball in his final agonisingly missing off stump. 2 clean bowled, a neat take behind the stumps and a stinger at Mid on from captain Normington.

Mills followed up with another leg break that pitched and turned to remove middle and leg.

34 for 7 off 12

Shepherd (2-0-12-1) and Stolworthy (1.3-0-3-2) polished off the tail. The latter finishing with 2 wickets in his final 3 balls - a clean bowled and another terrific take from Hennessy.

Ellerslie: 49 all out - 15.3

A super team performance.

Below is the Nottingham Youth League website. All results and statistics are entered. Keep up to date with how our boys are fairing.

http://nycl.play-cricket.com/home/home.asp

Tough Opener for the 14s

2011-05-07T11:54:00.004Z

The Under 14s began their fixtures this week in the very tough Nottingham Youth League.

Wednesday night saw a trip across town to Notts and Arnold.

Keyworth won the toss and elected to bat. Captain Normington led by example crashing a fine 37, one maximum in his 7 boundaries. Tudor (8) and Healey (8) both contributed before falling to smart catches.

It was debutant Machin, a fantastic closed season acquisition from Plumtree, who showed plenty of resolve and flair for a fine 22 not out. Stolworthy came and went quickly searching for quick runs as Newell (3*) saw the innings home.

Keyworth 96 for 4 off 20.

In response the bowlers were put to the sword by the powerful opening trio, all with County experience. Brown did make the break through in the 7th over, removing the opener for 40. However the same treatment continued as Notts and Arnold reached their total in the 13th over for the loss of 1 wicket.

There was an agreed feeling of rustiness in the field but chance to put that right on Thursday at home to Ellerslie.

100% for the 13s

2011-05-07T11:24:00.002Z

Burton Joyce were the visitors as the Under 13s got their Newark League campaign underway.

The hosts always bat first so Nice and Chamberlain took to the middle but both returned back to the hutch before the end of the 4th over - the ball keeping low and the stumps clattered.

Shepherd (11) raised the run rate with 2 beautiful boundaries before dragging a wide one onto his stumps. Cairns (4) followed in the same over, caught in the covers, after a well timed 4.

30-4 off 6

The ever reliable Newell and whippet, Burns, were set the task of rebuilding and duly tucked into some wayward change bowling. The scoreboard was always ticking with singles, extras and a mixture of boundaries as Newell (35*) retired in the 15th over after a 66 run stand.

Blacklock accompanied Burns as the score passed 100 with some fine off side strokes. Burns finishing with a career best 24* and Blacklock 7*.

Keyworth 111-4 off 18

Shepherd and Rock applied the pressure as the opening 4 overs only went for 12 runs but more importantly 3 wickets fell. Rock, clean bowling the opener before Shepherd followed up with a double - a tidy caught and bowled and one that rearranged the stumps.

The fielding remained excellent with Nice, Rock and L. Brown all taking one for the team and going home with a Gunn and Moore inprint on various parts of the anatomy!

Kitching got his first wicket of the season removing the number 5. Cox then sent the dangerman back as L. Brown took a great stinging catch at mid off.

Rock clawed back a well struck half boundary in the covers and fired into Blacklock with both batsman half way down the track - excellent.

Brown claimed his first KCC wicket with a plum LBW as the light and temperature were fading exceeding quickly. The spectators already clearing up with 5 overs left - just to keep warm!

Senior pros, Cairns and Nice, cleared up the tail. Nice, with the final 2 in consecutive balls leaving him on a hat trick next time round.

Burton Joyce: 61 all out in 16.3 overs

Super performance.

Shepherd: 3-0-11-2
Rock: 2-0-6-1
Kitching: 2-0-10-1
Cox: 2-0-12-1
Chamberlain: 2-0-3-0
L. Brown: 2-0-3-1
Nice: 1.3-0-3-2
Cairns: 1-0-7-1

Below is the Newark league website.

For those interested in stats and performances it is very good plus it has an up to date league table. The 'competitions' and 'stats' tabs are the most useful.

The KCC boys are already featuring highly!

http://newarkcyl.play-cricket.com/home/home.asp

Howzat For Openers

2011-04-30T19:45:00.002Z

At home to newly promoted Nuthall, the Firsts made a winning start to the season for the first time, probably, ever.

Tinno lost the toss, but was delighted to be asked to bat, on a good looking but very dry track more like Karachi than Keyworth.

XX Dale set off in 2020 mode carving a run a ball 25, before LBW. The same fate befell Jay three balls later for a duck. Tinno meanwhile had barely got the ball off the square, and realised be should've gone to Specsavers, having forgot to put in his contact lenses.

Drurs joined a now clear sighted Tinno for a solid 120 run partnership. Tinno was scoring so slowly he needed to pinch the bowling off eight consecutive overs, but Drurs got his own back running Tinno's scoring shots so slowly he was almost lapped at one stage. This was cultured batting compared to what was to follow, with high left elbows and sweet timing, and both passed 50 off successive balls. We were well placed at 150-2 with 10 overs to go. The Chairman fell for 67 off 74 balls, while Geoff posted 82 off 120 balls.

The Bank Holiday crowd at the Field of Dreams was now swelling into high double figures, and we were bouyed by the arrival of KCC legend Dougie Bayford on a flying visit, to discuss at length our Ashes victory.

Rocket and debutant Tommy Randall came and went quickly in search of quick runs. Bobby arrived at the crease with his pre-season nets consisting of 18 holes round Stanton. We needn't have worried as his wayward hooks were perfectly suited to the late order slog, crashing 37 off 19 balls with four sixes. The Big Fella was out off the last ball as we posted 232-7 off our 45 overs.

Tea by Jude set the usual high standard for the rest of the season, special recipe chocolate fridge cake being the high calorie highlight.

In reply Rocket ripped through the Nuthall top order with a devastating spell of 6-24 off 8 overs to leave the opposition in a bigger hole than the Chilean miners at 37-7. It could have been even better if Tinno hadn't performed a one man Billy Smart's circus act, shelling two catches at slip off Andy Hiller, who quickly realised hitting the stumps was the only way to strike.

Bobby was itching to bowl at the tail and talked himself onto bowling - up the hill! Drurs dropped an absolute sitter off his mate, day dreaming about what to put in this report. This was just a blip as Day Hiller jumped to the top of the bowling averages taking 2-6, to seal a comprehensive 20 point win, as Nuthall were out all out for 65.

Cup Success for the 13s

2011-04-30T09:10:00.002Z

The 13s headed to Bingham, on Thursday ,for a Newark League Cup match.

Nice, Chamberlain, T. Newell, Shepherd, Kitching, Cairns, Flewitt, Phoenix, Walker, Wilson and Malik entrusted to deliver the goods.

Some early shambles from the home side - no key for the pavilion, no boundary markers, a team arriving in dribs and drabs. The result a reduced 16 over game, not that the loyal supporters would complain as the temperature plummeted with the disappearance of the sun

The KCC boys had already completed the vigorous warm up routine as Neecy Snr laid the final boundary cone, after a quick shuttle back to the van. Game on.

Nice and Chamberlain opened with a composed yet flamboyant partnership racing to 42 off 6 overs before Nice (14) tickled one off his legs to the keeper. Chamberlain (25) followed the next ball, losing his leg stump but entertained the crowds with a variety of controlled boundaries.

The Bingham attack put a holt to the scoring as Newell and Shepherd setled into their stride. But, it was to prove the calm before the storm as 25 runs came off the final 2 overs. Newell (23*) and Shepherd (28*) putting on 56 for the 3rd wicket.

Keyworth 100-2 off 16

Shepherd (2-0-2-0) and Chamberlain (2-1-1-0) made an already difficult run chase improbable, with an excellent opening spell. The homeside requiring 97 off the remaining 12 overs.

Nice, Newell and Shepherd were marshalling the field well as Phoenix was proving unpassable with a series of body on the line stops that set the standard.

Kitching (2-0-13-0) and Malik (2-0-17-1) were the second change. Malik finding the breakthrough in the 6th over as the ball dislodged the bails after deflecting off the openers pads.

A brief flurry saw the run rate increase before the youngsters of Wilson (2-0-9-0), Phoenix (2-0-11-0) and Walker (2-0-8-1) put KCC back into the driving seat. Walker's persistent line and length causing the number 3 to play around a straight one. In the same over a smart piece of fielding saw Newell arrow into wicket keeper Cairns for a smart run out.

Nice (1-0-8-0) and Newell (1-0-11-0) closed the innings with the Bingham number 2 finishing on 38*.

More importantly the Bingham innings closed on 86-3 meaning a 15 run victory and an away trip to Belvoir in the next round.

U12s are Underway

2011-04-30T08:49:00.000Z

On Tuesday night the U12s headed across the river to play a strong, mixed U13/U12, Notts and Arnold side - in an 8 aside pairs friendly.

Rock, Baines, Phoenix, Wilson, Chamberlain, A. Newell, Blacklock and Walker were the octet on parade.

Notts and Arnold elected to bat and found cow corner regularly with some hefty blows. Undetered, the bowlers stuck to their task with Rock picking up the first KCC wicket of 2011. Baines (2-0-10-0) and Phoenix (2-0-13-1) both bowled tidily with the latter picking up the second wicket of the evening.

Chamberlain, on a big money transfer from Radcliffe, took time to find his range in the opening over before 3 wickets for 7 runs in his final two. A. Newell got his reward, a wicket with the final ball of the innings - clean bowled.

Notts and Arnold 145-6

All the boys contributed with the bat. Coaches Newell and Legge were impressed with the running between the wickets, concentrating keeping the ball on the floor and dispatching the legside wide to the boundary.

Blacklock (16), Rock (14) and Baines (11) all reached double figures as Keyworth posted 3 figures.

Keyworth 101-8

All Systems Go for the KCC Juniors

2011-04-29T10:02:00.002Z

A busy off season, at Trent Bridge, has primed the KCC stars of the future for a successful 2011 campaign.

Leggy wrapped up before the hard graft, on one of the particularly cold mornings.

Rock and Nice preparing to unleash their full repertoire of shots

Some organised chaos

The 8.45 start a little early for the older ones...

... Not a problem for the U12s!

Junior Fixtures

2011-04-26T18:46:00.002Z

All of our Junior fixtures are now confirmed.

Changing Rooms

2011-04-18T19:24:00.011Z

The Pavilion at the Field of Dreams has undergone a makeover to be ready for the new season; getting a lick of paint inside for the first time since Leggy last made it into double figures.

Many thanks to Paul Nice for helping us out with the painting.

Cap That

2011-04-11T19:21:00.014Z

A new batch of KCC caps have arrived, priced at £10. E-mail Drurs if you want one drurs2001@ntlworld.com

Spicy Start To Season

2011-03-30T09:00:00.000Z

Our Curry Night is once again the traditional curtain-raiser to the new season. Friday 15th April, 7.30pm, at Indian Nights. Tickets are available from Cliff.

Note Time Change For Nets

2011-03-30T08:01:00.003Z

Pre-season nets continue at Trent Bridge, but note a different day and time. Tuesdays 5th & 12th April 9-10pm.

40 Not Out

2011-03-08T20:46:00.002Z

KCC Legend Tim Hepburn (top row, 2nd from left), leader of the Caribbean Branch of the KCC Supporters Club, reaches a major milestone on Wednesday 9th. Happy Birthday Heppers Old Bean from all at KCC.

Launch of New Merchandise

2011-03-04T09:05:00.008Z

Today sees the launch of our latest piece of official club merchandise. It's a new take on an old favourite - the KCC Rain Jacket.

Club Skipper Tinno, recently turned down as the face of New Look, models the new jacket.

The jacket is showerproof with a concealed hood, has two front zip pockets, full zip front, fully mesh lined, with an elasticated drawcord hem, and elasticated cuffs.

It's embroidered with club and sponsor logo.

Prices are £23 if we can muster an order of 20.

Sizes to fit everyone (and look generous based on our sample).

Adult Sizes (to fit chest)
S - 36/38" - Fits Drurs
M - 40" - Fits Tinno and Cliff
L - 42" - Fits Leggy
XL - 44" - Fits Tuckers
2XL - 46/48" - For KCC Fatties

Junior Sizes (to fit age and chest
7/8 - 26"
9/10 - 28"
11/12 - 30"
13/14 - 32/34"

Contact Drurs to order click here to e-mail

New Addition

2011-02-11T15:03:00.003Z

Please to report that Camilla Erin Yasmin Collison was born earlier this week, weighing in at 7lb 8.5oz. Congratulations to Dale and Rebecca, and to Oscar for getting a sister to bowl at him in the back garden.

Spring Season

2011-02-10T17:59:00.003Z

With the first trophy of 2011 safely in the Field of Dreams cabinet, our Indoor League side set off in search of more glory. Following promotion, we have 6 fixtures in the Spring Indoor League Division 1. All players welcome, please get in touch with Geoff Tindsley if you fancy a game (07793039002).

Visit the following website for more details: www.nottinghamcommunitysports.co.uk/index.asp

Our upcoming fixtures are below......

2011 Fixtures Released

2011-02-06T11:51:00.002Z

2011 fixtures are now online. Both Saturday sides kick off on Saturday 30th April.

Pre Season Nets

2011-01-31T19:56:00.003Z

Pre-season nets will take as follows:

Thursdays March 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th 7-8pm

followed by:

Tuesdays 29th March, 5th & 12th April 9-10pm

This year we are back at Trent Bridge

Clubmark

2011-01-29T14:39:00.007Z

2011 sees us start our journey towards gaining 'Clubmark' accreditation.

The ECB makes this award to clubs with "a vibrant and healthy club cricket infrastructure, that are prioritising junior development, creating a benchmark for high quality community club cricket".

Cricket clubs are required to present evidence and demonstrate implementation across four different themes, culminating in the production of a Club Development Plan.

The four themes are:
* Duty of Care and Safeguarding Children
* The Cricket Programme
* Knowing your club and its Community – One Game
* Club Management

We already do much of what is required, we just need to formalise and evidence our efforts.

Super Scorer Shelley is co-ordinating our progress and we expect it to take 12-18 months to gain the Clubmark award.

This will then give us greater access to coaching courses, grants, as well as showing our commitment to cricket in the local community.

Mrs Pat Dessaur

2011-01-20T16:09:00.002Z

We have very sad news to announce the loss of Mrs Pat Dessaur. Pat was the Mum of KCC legend Warren, and ex-Notts CCC professional Wayne, and wife of regular spectator during the 1990’s Tony. Pat passed away on Saturday 15th January aged 61. Our thoughts and best wishes are with all the Dessaurs at this sad time. The funeral and cremation service will take place at 11.20am on Friday 28th January at Wilford Hill. Rest In Peace.

Indoor Glory

2011-01-09T20:00:00.002Z

More success for English Cricket. Our Indoor League team are top of the table and would need to select Ricky Ponting or Xavier Doherty to miss out on promotion.

Games continue every week on various evenings ... contact Geoff Tindsley if you fancy a game(07793 039002).

Tinno has reclaimed Postman status after delivering every week to be the league's MVP.

Youth Policy News

2010-12-05T09:58:00.003Z

Pleased to announce two more additions to our Junior section during the last fortnight.

John Paul the new son of KCC legend Andy Cowlard, and Luca Carlos the new son of Vice President Russ Maltby.

Congratulations from all at KCC.

Award Winners

2010-12-04T20:56:00.005Z

Almost 40 people braved the arctic weather for KCC's annual presentation evening last Saturday.

The individual award winners were as follows:

1st Team

Player of Season ... Steve Rendu
Batting Award ... Ian Graham
Bowling Award ... Rob Baker
Fielding Award ... Ben Elliott
Chris Keeling Champagne Moment ... Jay Vickers

2nd Team
Player of Season ... Rich Drury
Batting Award ... Rich Drury
Bowling Award ... Liam Elliott
Fielding Award ... Rich Drury
Chris Keeling Champagne Moment ... Duncan Tarran

Club Awards
Frank Palmer Outstanding Performance Award ... Rob Baker

Alan Copson Six Hits Trophy ... Steve Rendu
Club Person of Year ... Shelley Beales

League Leaders

2010-11-21T09:26:00.003Z

It was only a matter of time. Our evening Indoor League side currently lead the League. There's always space for anyone that wants a game - just give captain Tinno a shout Geoff.Tindsley@gleeds.co.uk

Very Average

2010-11-21T09:08:00.006Z

Your Chairman was lucky enough to scoop the Divison J Batting Award scoring 658 runs at an average of 94.00.

With a couple more games Boom Boom would also have been in with a shout, having averaged 169.00 in his four innings for the Stiffs.

Both have their bags packed ready for the call should KP's form not pick up in Oz.

Autumn Events

2010-11-10T15:49:00.000Z

Annual Meeting

Friday 19th November, Keyworth United FC Clubhouse, Platt Lane, 7.30pm

Presentation Evening

Saturday 27th November, Stanton Golf Club, 7.00pm

Baker's Double

2010-10-22T18:14:00.003Z

The Club's record wicket taker has found his way into the November issue of TheWisdenCricketer. Click on the article to enlarge.

Top Man

2010-09-18T07:30:00.003Z

Congratulations to KCC legend Matt Burton. His new side in Hampshire went through this season with a 100% record to gain promotion. Murali is pictured top left.

Winter Wonders

2010-09-17T12:36:00.004Z

Depending upon interest, we're going to run an indoor cricket team again this Autumn at the Nottingham Community Sports Centre in Basford (formally Williows & John Birch). Tinno's personal goal is to avoid a trip to hospital during the first game this time round.........

The basic format is as follows:

- 8-a-side game of 16 overs/team
- Bat in pairs for 4 overs each, runs deducted for losing wickets
- Each player bowls two overs.
- Batsmen wear batting gloves and a box
- Each game will be £5 per person and we will play once a week on a weekday evening up until christmas.

The idea is that we will have a couple of 'grading' games over the next few weeks to get used to the format and for the organisers to put us in the right league. This could start as early as next week

If you are interested in playing please email Geoff.Tindsley@gleeds.co.uk asap if you are interested in playing.

H D 'Derek' Gill

2010-09-10T08:34:00.001Z

In memory of century maker DEREK GILL

It is with sadness that we have learnt of the passing of H D ‘Derek’ Gill, one of our Vice Presidents, on Wednesday 8 September. He was a regular supporter at home matches in recent seasons and always very interested in both the history and the current affairs of the club.

In 1947 against Stamford Hall CC, Derek became only the fifth batsman since 1815 when cricket was first played in Keyworth, to record a century – an undefeated 101 not out.

The Gill Family has a long association with the club. Derek’s father Frank played from 1929 to 1940, was Secretary 1932-47, Chairman 1947-50 then President 1958-60. His mother was a regular scorer and his brothers Basil and David also played after the Second World War.

We await news of when the funeral will take place and our thoughts are with family and friends.

Firsts Relegated After Final Over Frustration

2010-09-05T19:33:00.004Z

Keyworth 1st XI fell into Div D after a last over heartbreak at the Field of Dreams.

Had the visiting Collingham team failed to get the 7 runs required off the last over, a winning draw for the Millers would have seen them finish 4th place in the league. But with all the other mid table teams winning, KCC were cruelly relegated by 0.07 of an average point.

Keyworth came into the final match of the season knowing that 9 points would see them safe whatever happened elsewhere in the league. With Captain Tindsley, Bobby and Rocket all absent, Liam Elliott, AC and Kitcho were promoted to fill the void.

Skipper for the day was Iggy, and knowing that the Millers had not batted out a losing draw in living memory, he chose to bat first after winning the toss, hoping that the visiting Collingham side would not chase down the total. The visitors were also in with a shout of winning the championship should they win and West Bridgfordians lose.

Ted and IG opened up and KCC were soon 1 wicket down with the young left arm opener rearranging Boom Boom’s stumps after only 4 deliveries. Jay (26) and IG then put on a great partnership with Ian reaching his 50 with the score on 58! 65-1 after the first 20 was a perfect platform. IG had used 3 bats by this point – breaking the first one lengthways into two pieces!

When IG fell for 69 the score was 107-2 off 29 overs, and this allowed Ben (40 in 35 balls) to come in and bat aggressively – deciding that if the ball was up in the slot it was going to the boundary. This was much to the annoyance of the Collingham bowlers who were unfairly calling the young tyke a slogger amongst other things.

Conversely, late in the innings AC (18) was slogging, and hit a marvellously ugly 6 to deep square leg in the process.

205-9 off 48 was about par and importantly gained the Millers full batting points.
Tea was a fantastic spread by Justine and Ian, ticking all the boxes, with highlights included old school corned beef & pickle sandwiches, fancy egg custards and a plethora of fruit.

In reply, the Collingham batsmen simply couldn’t handle the swing and seam of Strongy (2-47) and Kitcho (1-22), with too many balls to count going past the outside edge. But they did get just rewards and KCC were in the hunt with their 3 early wickets leaving the score at 18-3.

This brought David Pipes to the wicket, who had a charmed life before he made 20, but after that played a steady innings picking off the bad ball to keep their run rate well above 3 an over.

At the other end, wickets kept falling every so often leaving the game finely poised at 6 an over required off the last 10 with 4 wickets in hand. By 6pm the night was drawing in and the ball was hard to pick up. By the finish at 7.30pm, it was nearly dark.

It came down to the last 2 overs with Strongy back in the attack and IG bowling through. Dave bowled a great over with no boundaries off it, leaving 7 to win off the last still with 4 wickets in hand. First ball IG took a wicket, and the Millers were cock a hoop, sensing that Pipes could be stranded in the 90’s at the wrong end of the pitch if they could stop a single. However the new bat had other ideas and forced away the first ball he faced to the boundary relieving all the pressure. The next ball went for 2 and the fourth again went to the boundary to secure the victory with 2 balls remaining. Collingham batted like Champions, and deservedly claimed top spot after Bridgfordians lost to Kimberley II’s. The Millers had to wait until the next day to see if the 7 points they had picked up would be enough to keep them up. Unfortunately Gedling Colliery collected 20 points which meant they stayed up by 2 points at KCC’s expense.

Ted's Team Triumphs

2010-09-05T19:06:00.003Z

Team Elliott were the victors of this year's KCC Golf Day at sunny Cotgrave Place last Thursday, with Scooby making sure his first KCC appearance of the season was a winning one, alongside Ben, Liam and Father Ted.

5 teams made up the day and it was to prove a tight run affair at the top.

Tuckers, Kitcho, Tinno and XX Collison (76) propped up the field having led after... 2 holes and having scored the most points on one hole. Straws and clutching was suggested

Count back decided 3rd and 4th with both the Tuckwell Snr quartet and Baker, Drury, Brown and Phillips both finishing on 79. two strong back 9s saw the Baker Boys (42) knocked into 4th compared to Tuckwell's (43)

A further 10 points seperated the final two with an excellent score of 89 points. Last years' victors, Newell, Shepherd, Hammond and Legge were ousted into the runners up spot having accumulated 46 points on the back 9 compared to Team Elliots' 50. Good golf.

Thanks to everyone who took part and especially to Tuckers for organising.

2020 Highlights

2010-09-03T07:39:00.012Z

Once again the myth of bad Bank Holiday weather was proved wrong as we completed our fifth successive 2020 Day without interuption. Mind you the midday temperature was more April than August as a brisk Northerly blew across the Field of Dreams.

The BBQ was fired up early in readiness for the finish of the Junior 2020 appertiser. The introduction of hot pork rolls proved to be an instant success.

This year's game was a battle of the 'keepers with Benji taking on Beakey. Beakey's XII (as we had a glut of players) batted first and it was like old times as Liam Sanders tucked into some village bowling to quickly retire having made the 25 threshold.

12 year old Joe Nice needed a bit of luck bowled first ball off a no-ball, but then compiled a fine 16. Wickets fell at regular intervals with Benji's creative field positions working a treat. Bails was all at sea facing a 10-0 leg side field, bowled first ball by a Richard Normington off stump yorker.

Cllr John Cottee, rolling back the years with a cultured 10, and Liam 'When I'm Cleaning Windows' Elliott with 25, shored up the middle order, and big-match Bobby took advantage of the match now being 22 overs a side, hoisting three sixes, one quite literally straight into the confectionary stand and out again, in a day's top score of 29.

Beakey's side reached 159-8 off 22 overs. Billy Butter-Fingers and Jay were miserly both taking 1-6 off their 2 overs.

1. Liam Sanders – 26 retired 3x4’s and 1x6
2. Geoff Tindsley – 7 ct A Cowlard bowled C Legge 1x4
3. Phil Dearden – 0 ct J Stolworthy bowled C Legge
4. Joe Nice – 16 ct C Soar bowled B Harrison 1x4
5. Liam Elliott – 25 retired 4x4 and 1x6
6. Marc Bailey – 0 bowled (first ball) R Normanton
7. John Cottee – 10 ct R Normanton bowled J Vickers
8. Rob Baker – 29 retired 2x4 3x6
9. Dave Strong – 18 not out 3x4
10. Jack Palmer – 5 not out
11. Duncan Tarran – DNB
12. Rob Beake – DNB
Extras 23 (4 byes, 15 wides, 4 no balls)

In reply the weather had eased and it was down to just six layers in the scorer's tent for Shelley 'cooking the books' and Ted 'banging the drums'.

Beakey soon found that having 10 spinners at his disposal wasn't quite the attack he needed. Benji's top 4 batters scored quickly and it was left to Jay and Drurs to slow things down to test match pace, with the Chairman even affording the luxury of patting back a maiden on the way to 25. Wensley-Dale smashed some pies to the boundary, and it was left to Boss Hogg to see Benji's side to victory, his 23 runs edging him ever closer to his his 200 run season's target, now a definite possibly with friendly games hastily arranged well into December. The target was reached with an over to spare.

Tinno and Bobby were the best of a bad bunch both taking 1-4 off their 2 overs.

1. Ian Graham – 14 ct L Elliott Bowled J Palmer 1x4 1x6
2. Ben Elliott – 16 ct M Bailey Bowled J Palmer 3x4
3. Andy Cowlard – 5 stumped R Beake Bowled P Dearden 1x4
4. Billy Harrison – 15 ct R Baker bowled J Nice 2x4
5. Jamie Vickers – 17 LBW R Baker 1x4 1x6
6. Richard Drury – 25 retired 4x4
7. Chris Legge – 23 not out 2x4
8 Dale Collison – 21 bowled G Tindsley
9. Richard Normanton – 5 not out
10 Chris See-Soar DNB
11 Sam Nice DNB
12 Josh Stolworthy DNB
Extras 19 ( 4 byes, 1 leg bye, 10 wides, 4 no balls)

Bobby capped a fine weekend by taking the MOM award, not that his waistline needed the boost of a meal for two at Indian Nights.

Though a close second was Leggy, proving that the Samit Patel diet is an ideal preparation for the short form of the game.

A fine day all round, and thanks to everyone who played, spectated, score, served and snapped.

Legendary Day for Legge

2010-08-30T19:34:00.012Z

An interclub junior apertif was the curtain raiser for the 5th Annual 20/20 day. Bragging rights were the order of the day with Legge's Legends taking on Tuckers' All Stars.

Tuckers All Stars

Back: Ben Wilson, Jack Cairns, Sam Messham, Joe Nice, Dominic Steiner, Greg Mills

Front: Alex Newell, Josh Coulthard, Simon Tuckwell, Mackenzie Shepherd, Ben Healey.

Legge's Legends

Back: Tom Rock, Joe Baines, Isaac Brown, Joe Palmer, Oscar Brown

Front: Tom Newell, Harry Stolworthy, Chris Legge, Peter Hennessy, Harry Normington

Missing: Charlie Walker

Legge won the toss and elected to bat on a drying wicket with Normington and Hennessy sent to open. Mr Economy, Steiner (2-0-2-0), opened down the hill with joint leading wicket taker, Mills (2-0-4-0), up the hill. Nice was dominant in the field as the all stars started on top. Coulthard (2-0-7-1) found his range with his first ever KCC wicket, bowling Hennessy (5) after narrowly missing a caught and bowled. Alex Newell (2-0-9-0) provided tidy support in tandem. 28-1 off 8.

Legge gave the nod to press on from the sidelines with depth in the hutch, and Newell and Normington duly obliged. Normington (25) finding his range and retiring with a standing ovation and hitting 217 runs for the season. Stolworthy kept up the momentum, working the field neatly, with Healey (2-0-8-0) keeping a check on the scoring.

Nice, captured the prize wicket of Newell (9), removing the bails on the second bounce. Brown came to the crease and pressed on, with the onlookers noting Tuckwell was looking sluggish in the field unable to prevent a procession of boundaries. Wilson and Messham both bowled tidily, under pressure, as the legends reached 87-2 with 3 overs to play.

Stolworthy (23) came within 2 of the second retirement of the innings, but was run out at the non-strikers end after smart work from Cairns and Mills. But was safe in the knowledge of surpassing 100 runs for the season. Palmer came in for the final 2 deliveries as the innings concluded very respectably on 101 for 3.

A quick turn round saw Healey and Nice straight into the firing line but wasted no time using the pace of Palmer (2-0-11-0) and Brown (2-0-7-0) Nice (7), in full flow, had already grounded Legge with a couple of edges through the slip cordon, but was undone returning for a second run. Unfortunately for Nice, Newell was on the end of the chase and fired to Hennessy, with the bails removed and Nice a yard out.

Rock (2-0-4-1) and Normington (2-0-2-0) then firmly swung the momentum into the legends favour - Rock claiming the key wicket of Healey (14) on the second bounce. 26-2 off 8.

Oscar Brown impressed with some tremendous leg breakers, fresh from the garden, but it was his partner bowler Baines (2-0-5-1) who created the moment of the match. Coulthard, who had already spread the field, sent another bomb comfortably over midwicket. Normington, spotting a half chance, raced round from deep mid wicket and pouched a stunning one handed pick up from around his ankles, much to the dismay of Coulthard (3) 36-3 off 10.

Steiner accelerated the scoring to leave the all stars only 1 run behind, 42-1, at the same stage as the Legends. Walker (2-0-9-2) then spun the match on its head with an excellent first over, first removing Steiner (11) Newell catching at short mid on. Cairns (0) came and went with the same combination effective again.

Shepherd and Mills then put on a show for the crowd, the latter cruising past his highest score with a full repertoire of off side shots. Shepherd (10) hit double figures with some good running but was just out returning for a tight second.

With the Legends score unattainable Brown returned for a final over of leg break and removed Wilson (0), with Palmer safely underneath. Mills looked to launch the final delivery into West Bridgford but found his stumps rearranged - but nevertheless a fantastic personal score of 15, nearly tripling his previous best and finishing with the highest team score. Very well done.

An excellent morning saw Legge's Legends 101-3 victorious by 23 runs with Tuckers' All Stars finishing on 78-8