Back
Sat 14 Sep 2013
First TeamKibworth CC 2
171/7
64
Emphatic win secures Division One status
Richard Holdridge15 Sep 2013 - 04:24
Share via
Another great team performance on a testing wicket...was former county player, the South African Claude Henderson talent spotting?
Whilst the victory over Shepshed last week made Division one status almost certain, this overwhelming victory over Kibworth 2nds firmly nailed the issue.
A night under the covers protecting it from the overnight rain, made the wicket a little damp. Luke lost the toss (no surprise there) and Niffy were inserted. Eben and Gaz batted cautiously, though several Eben straight drives did not bring boundaries because of the wet outfield, which had indeed reduced the match to 43 overs a side.
Eben fell, caught at slip, and in doing so reduced his batting average from over 130 to a mortal 112, and Tom was quickly bowled. Badge supported Gaz well, constantly finding the gap with well placed and run singles.
Progress was however not fast, tied down by some accurate slow left arm bowling by Kibworth's Bailey and Cuthbert and almost 30 overs had passed when the skipper joined Gaz, following his dad's maxim of 'occupying the crease' as the best method in the circumstances.
In the space of 27 minutes, Luke transformed the game. The fourth wicket partnership added 62 in just 27 minutes, with his 50 including 4 sixes and three fours, one of the sixes disappearing into the allotments in apparent protest against the bonfire smoke that was not helping visibility for the fielders on that side of the ground.
Gaz's 50 soon followed, a two hour 35 minute effort which was the backbone of the Niffy innings.
The score of 171 was certainly around par, with wicket and outfield reducing run run scoring. Ash and Joe bowled brilliantly,and were well supported in the field. They moved the ball off the pitch, and Kibworth lost wickets steadily, as well as progressing at no more than 1 and a half runs per over.
Drinks at 22 overs required a bowling change, and Steve bowling from the Bassett Avenue end took two wickets, with the only 'runs' against him being 5 wides. Jack finished things off by taking two wickets, the last with a ball that 'turned a foot and a half'.
Niffy's ninth win of the season, and it continues a seven match undefeated run, and once again a great team performance.
A night under the covers protecting it from the overnight rain, made the wicket a little damp. Luke lost the toss (no surprise there) and Niffy were inserted. Eben and Gaz batted cautiously, though several Eben straight drives did not bring boundaries because of the wet outfield, which had indeed reduced the match to 43 overs a side.
Eben fell, caught at slip, and in doing so reduced his batting average from over 130 to a mortal 112, and Tom was quickly bowled. Badge supported Gaz well, constantly finding the gap with well placed and run singles.
Progress was however not fast, tied down by some accurate slow left arm bowling by Kibworth's Bailey and Cuthbert and almost 30 overs had passed when the skipper joined Gaz, following his dad's maxim of 'occupying the crease' as the best method in the circumstances.
In the space of 27 minutes, Luke transformed the game. The fourth wicket partnership added 62 in just 27 minutes, with his 50 including 4 sixes and three fours, one of the sixes disappearing into the allotments in apparent protest against the bonfire smoke that was not helping visibility for the fielders on that side of the ground.
Gaz's 50 soon followed, a two hour 35 minute effort which was the backbone of the Niffy innings.
The score of 171 was certainly around par, with wicket and outfield reducing run run scoring. Ash and Joe bowled brilliantly,and were well supported in the field. They moved the ball off the pitch, and Kibworth lost wickets steadily, as well as progressing at no more than 1 and a half runs per over.
Drinks at 22 overs required a bowling change, and Steve bowling from the Bassett Avenue end took two wickets, with the only 'runs' against him being 5 wides. Jack finished things off by taking two wickets, the last with a ball that 'turned a foot and a half'.
Niffy's ninth win of the season, and it continues a seven match undefeated run, and once again a great team performance.
Further reading