Southwell 1st XI v Keyworth 1st XI

The weather app on the authors phone has never been used so much in the days leading up to the game between Southwell CC 1st XI and Keyworth CC 1st XI as rumors of a clear weekend were spread. The morning showed a grey but rainless sky and so both teams proceeded to toss up for a slightly reduced overs game. Southwell once again winning the toss and electing to bowl looking to skittle Keyworth and finish the game before the rain.

Promoted 2nd XI bowler Olly Stanley took the new ball with Dan Sprawson and immediately found good swing in the overcast conditions leading to Olly's first 1st XI wicket, a good catch by Jim Hemstock at point. Sprawson then picking up Blacklock, caught behind for 4 to leave Keyworth 23/2. A couple of promising partnerships between Newell, Shahi and Randell were formed but the introduction of Steve Wright, as has happened so many times, brought an end to their resistance. Despite wickets falling at fairly regular intervals, Keyworth batted sensibly with Ian Graham and Rob Baker restricted by good, tight bowling. A flurry of wickets near the end left Keyworth on 129/9 from their 39 overs and Southwell with a very gettable target. Wright ending on excellent figures: 13 overs, 4 maidens, 30 for 5.

The Southwell reply needed to get off to a good start with ominous clouds looming ahead but lost the early wickets of Ogrizovic, Fryer and the influential Green. Despite some resistance from Hemstock, Southwell soon found themselves of 57/5 and desperately looking for someone to occupy the crease with the battling Miller. Rimmer stepped up and played an aggressive innings of 26 from 29 balls to put Southwell onto the front foot and when Sprawson eagerly took to the field, Southwell looked likely to gain the victory. A monsoon unfortunately then decided to descend upon Top Ground turning the outfield into a lake, Miller on 40* and Southwell just 18 short of victory on 112/6 with 5 overs to play.

A disappointing end to hard fought match giving Southwell only 11 points when 20 were in fingers reach. The unbeaten run, however, continues and Southwell will look to push forward and secure their top spot over the coming weeks against Thrumpton and then Kirkby Portland.