So, this was it. After nearly five months of up and downs this was likely to be the last outing of the season for many of the end of season combined 3rd and 4th XI friendly team, and what a way to bow out.
Weekley and Warkton were the hosts for this encounter and what a lovely setting. In the ground of Boughton House and in sight of the church it was truly a lovely scene, even the fallen leaves near the boundary had a 'Olde England' feel to it. The weather was set fair and two sides who had forged such links over the season would see it out in grand style.
Kibworth won the toss and fielded. Looking around the dressing room there could only be one choice for the honour of opening the bowling with Mayur Chauhan and it had to be Ben Matthew. Quite what Weekley thought when they saw the Snow White extra mark out his run is not sure but 4 overs of swing and ankle crunch later two of the home batsmen were back in the hutch, oh yes you know when you've been Fido'd.
The quicker bowlers were finding it difficult in the conditions. The boundaries straight were comparitively short and the faster the ball was delivered the faster it disappeared. It was an education for some of the young lads in the team to have to deal with a ball hit so hard in their direction. Yes there were some misfields but it was better they gained their experience in a friendly than in a league encounter.
With the only option left to take the pace off the ball the skipper looked around for some slow bowling. Deciding things were not desperate enough to bring himself on the skipper threw the ball to the Elwood boys. With their bowling almost as good as their inter-family sledging perhaps they were unlucky not to secure more than a wicket each for their efforts.
After 7 overs Rob decided it was time for a blow and asked the skipper to allow him to graze With 10 overs to Weekley were over 200 with six wickets in the hutch, who on Earth could be brought on? Looking around the field there could no longer be any excuse, it was Grenade Time.
The first 'Bard' over was nothing special, indeed 7 runs came from it, but nothing could prepare the viewing public for the carnage that was to follow. In the next 3.1 overs of the skippers filth five home batsman would fall at the alter of the moonball pies. In terms of procession it put the Notting Hill Carnival to shame. With Fido returning from the top end and getting another victim Weekley had subsided to 230 all out with five balls to go.
After a tea which quite frankly could have been described as a banquet the Kibworth reply began. The win would have been nice but it was more important for the lads to have a knock and enjoy themselves, this is precisely what happened.
There were nice cameos from Adam Samuel, Tom Burton, Sam Pole, Ben Underwood and some serious biffage from Tim Elwood who scored a well earnt 50. At no stage did Kibworth look like winning the game but the scoreboard looked respectable and everyone who could call themselves a batter had a knock.
The final piece of the game surrounded the final score. The skipper challenged his men to reach 200, Weekley took up the challenge to deny them. Mayur clubbed a huge six over midwicket and three runs were required to hit the double century from the last ball. Unfortunately only two runs were possible from but it didn't really matter, a really enjoyable friendly had been played by all.
So, that is it then. No more Cricket until next April. I could start the countdown to next year but that would just be depressing. See you at all Fosse Park, probably looking bored in Marks and Spencer like me.
