Big 25 points versus relegation rivals

In a game vital to both clubs Kirby were asked to bat first and started off like a train. Josh Davis and Scott Hammond raced to a 50 partnership inside 9 overs before Ash had Davis caught by Craig. Gaz then took a great caught and bowled to get rid of the dangerous Hammond as momentum shifted.

Dan Kinsey and Phil Dyer stared to rebuild, but Toony's introduction soon accounted for Skipper Kinsey caught at mid off. The aggressive Mark Williamson came to the crease, but didn't last long as Firoz took a good slip catch off Toony. Firoz then joined the attack and really turned the screw as runs virtually dried up.

Dyer edged Firoz and was well held by Ash and then veteran Nigel Wain was next to go LBW to Toony, although clearly he felt it was missing leg by a long way! Matt Kinsey tried to reverse Firoz paying the inevitable price as only 45 runs were added between overs 20 and 40 Dan Sheahan and Rob Kinsey then hit out to good effect as Kirby's inning ended on 172-8 Toony returned 3-29 from 12 in a great spell and Firoz 2-7 from 8

In reply Gaz and Ben started well before both perishing on the same score. Will Buckley and Firoz looked to rebuild but Firoz got one that seamed from Paul Hammond and was caught behind. Will dug in and Craig playing quietly to start soon began to play his trademark ferocious shots. Will blossomed hitting 4 boundaries in quick succession but on "Nelson" both succumbed to Bradley-Smith after a partnership of 66

Blockers missed on that kept low as the pressure mounted and with 44 needed from the last 8 overs with only 4 wickets left cool heads were needed. Fortunately skipper Sharpe was at the crease and when Thorpey joined him, both picking the singles but hitting the bad ball for 4 In a game where momentum has changed numerous times, Countesthorpe edged back on top, but as the final over started Thorpey was stumped for a vital 17

Toony swept Bradley-Smith for a single and singles of the next 2 balls meant 3 were required from the last 2 balls. The skipper gave it everything and the ball scurried down to fine leg, Toony turned for the 3rd and just beat the return to secure a so so important 3 wicket win. Dave finished on 32 not out in a skippers innings that dragged the side over the line and Toony's batting practice paid off as he will never score a more important 2 not out

A great game and now all to play for as Lutterworth also dropped points and Billesdon slip into relegation contention