So far this season the Sunday XI have put up some respectable displays, against The Banks though they took something of a beating. The bowling performed well under some aggressive circumstances but the batting, which should have been the stronger suit, rolled up a fat cigar, bent over, and took a good caning with little protest.

The innings started well enough. A young Banks opener was soon dispatched by Elliot Lodge but the next wicket wouldn't come. One bat played correctly and scored slowly, his partner displayed rosette winning agriculture in a manner which would have reduced a certain Mr Boycott to foaming apoplexy. Countless times a heave across the line would squirt in any direction but the one desired and fall just short or just over a fielder which led to the skipper scratching his head furiously and in real danger of splinters.

The bowling was pretty good. All three Lodge boys impressed with the cherry, as did Harry 'Windy' Miller, but luck was in short supply. The skipper mixed up his usual filth with the occasional good delivery and was unlucky to see two decent chances go down. Ok one was a decent chance but the other was a nailed on sitter that even Stevie Wonder with a hangover would have fancied. The real bowling find however was debutant Ali who sent down a good spell of medium pace, mixing up his pace nicely. Kibworth were set 232 to win.

The batting plan was simple, both Ali and Sideshow fancied a break after their bowling so Sam 'Tad' Pole opened with Hamza, another promising Junior. Unfortunately Hamza's stay was relatively brief but in his defence he showed a decent technique and was only removed by a bowler with Premier Division experience. However I doubt if many Kibworth batsman have been so gutted for so long after their dismissal as he was. Hamza, if you are reading this mate, don't worry. Your chance will come again and if you saw half the other dismissals at least you tried to do the right thing.

The rest of the batting was something of a dismal procession. Tad did his job but only Sideshow (who got a Jaffa) and Elliot (run out by some fat twerp) showed anything like their potential. The game had long been up by the time the skipper was undone by an outswinger than left him comprehensively feng shui'd.

At the final analysis the home side had been shot out for just less than half the runs they required on a wicket which played pretty well. Any excuse offered would carry about as much credibility as a Sumo wrestler claiming he is on a diet. Perhaps best to give it the traditional 'I don't believe it!' and move on.

Will Jennings - 29/05/2009