If you chose to ignore the extra poundage and occasional streak of grey hair on show you could have been forgiven for thinking there was a cup or league game occurring on the top square on Sunday, such was the intensity shown by Bard's boys at the end of a really tight encounter. Whilst the social aspect of the game is always prevalent on the Sabbath many of the home fielders talked about a 'proper' game of cricket at the close of play. Despite odds heavily to the contrary the skipper won the toss, indeed so shocked was he at actually winning the spin he seemed quite unprepared for the decision he was then asked to make. Witnessing Vice Captain Sideshow playing extravagant pulls and cuts on the balcony he took the hint and opted for pad rash o'clock, however it was unclear if this act of 'air cricket' was actually based on the chance of more recovery time from the night before.Alas Ken Pounds' outing with the bat was short lived, indeed he could feel mightily aggrieved that the visiting skipper displayed considerable bad form by placing a fielder where he scores the majority of his runs. In any event a misjudged drive saw his poles disturbed in no uncertain manner. The real story though surrounded the partnership that occurred when the Professor had left the crease.

Imran Mir has been improving week on week and this time scored a lovely 60. At the other end new boy Dominic Cook (68), a mop headed product of , immediately showed a most un Sunday knowledge of the coaching manual and footwork more akin to Strictly Come Dancing than Rugby Special. Safe to say his appearances at this level won't last long into next season.

 When Dominic finally fell it became time for Sideshow himself to see what he could do. Fully expecting a brief cameo of swiping the home balcony were actually shown a composed innings that produced the third fifty of the innings. For a Sunday XI that's about as rare as rocking horse manure. Kibworth closed on 210.

Much in keeping with the nature of their batting the bowlers kept up their side of the bargain. They generally bowled tight lines, fielded with good concentration and even when Gumley were 96 for 1 shortly after drinks they were never able to accelerate sufficiently. It was turning out to be comfortably the best display of the season.

Gumley required 70 off 10 which became 25 off 3 overs with 3 wickets in hand. Any result was still possible but some close umpiring calls had fired up the home fielders and there was real intent from the Kibworth lads. The clapping and encouragement was coming from all over and not just the usual suspects. The game was still friendly but there was an edge on the park, somehow the result seemed to really matter.

The equation came down to 20 from 2 overs and Bob Beevers to bowl the penultimate over from the Pavillion End. Bob, never one to question his own ability, took the responsibility but also some long handle and it became 7 from the final over. All eyes rested on Harry 'Windy' Miller.

It says a lot for his development that Harry was given the responsibility of bowling the last over by his skipper, especially when the match was so tight, but if he felt nerves he absolutely didn't show them. The eight wicket fell off the third ball of the over and that probably sounded the death knell of Gumley victory chances. 5 were required off the last ball of the match with Harry and wicketkeeper Dominic the only ones within 60 yards of the bat. A slice to the cover boundary fielder saw Gumley end three runs short.

 By the rules agreed at the start by the captains the result actually goes down as a draw but it certainly didn't feel like it at the end. The usual Sunday cast of cricketers don't normally get involved in games like this and it was smiles all around in the dressing room at the end.
Champagne Moment:- The look of sheer surprise on the face of Dominic as he came short in expectation of a throw from a junior fielder, only to watch the sub hurl it over his head and over the stumps. The fielder, as you might have guessed, was Fido

 

Grim Sight Of The Day:- Kibworth's own leathery legend Dicky Barkworth walking to the shower with his own distinct two tone skin effect on display. Torso and legs a dark brown shade and a backside possibly sponsored by The Milky Bar Kid.

 

William Jennings - 11/08/2009