On the hottest day of the year so far the Southwell CC Sunday XI got the season off to a winning start against a very gentlemanly Keyworth CC. Both teams fielded development teams featuring experienced players and a number of promising youth squad members.

New Southwell captain Kevin Brown won the toss and on a beautiful wicket put Keyworth in to bat, subjecting his team to two and a half hours fielding in the heat of the day – thanks Skip! But this proved to be the right strategy with the fresh Southwell bowlers restricting their opponents to 117/8, including ten maidens.

Dougal McMillan and Tom Rudd opened the bowling, with Tom finally getting both openers and finishing with 2/29 off eight overs on debut. Dougal was rewarded for two great spells by knocking out the off stump of the Keyworth number three and finishing with a very controlled 1/24 off eight – much more fun than revising for O levels.

Dan Sprawson (in addition to his excellent coaching of the less experienced bowlers) took 3/13 and together with Tom Clarke (1/16 off eight) controlled the mid stages of the game with their combination of pace and spin.

Special mention goes to Tim Stokes who took a wicket with his first ball in senior cricket (well done Tim, nice catch Spraws), then went on to later deliver a dead ball that knocked that off stump out again – unfortunately while the batsman was waiting for spectators to walk past the sightscreen! We had great fun trying to get that bail to stay on for the rest of the match.

Catch of the day goes to Adam Gell who claimed a steepler that flew off the top edge of the Keyworth number eight to give Spraws his 3-fer. Gelly’s early call came as a great relief to Joe Fryer and dad Chris Gell, who were both more than happy to vacate the area for the man in the gloves. Great take!

Despite coughing up two buzzers on the last ball of the innings (notwithstanding the ball being in hand less than six feet from the stumps) Southwell managed to keep the required rate below three runs per over.

A solid opening partnership between Joe and Tom C saw Southwell reach 46 before TC got one that stayed down a bit and was trapped lbw for 15 stylish runs.

Sam Barber strode in confidently, providing support as Joe reached his 50, then assertively accelerating to the end of the innings. Southwell reached the target in the 30th over, with Sam finishing on 28 not out – a personal best in senior cricket.

Joe gave the only chance of his match–winning 67 not out by edging one to slip when the scores were level. The ball popped out as the fielder’s hand hit the deck, much to the chagrin of the Southwell number four (your match reporter) who was condemned to spend the whole afternoon waiting with his pads on.

A smooth innings from Joe and a super all round team performance in the field. With great performances from all the younger players and debutantes, it’s a promising start for the Sunday XI.

Thanks to the gents from Keyworth who were a pleasure to meet. Thanks to Dan Stokes (and Amanda) for the scoring duties.