Horton Kirby Cricket Clun Online - Match Reports 2nd Xi

Leeds and Broomfield 2^nd XI vs. Horton Kirby 2^nd XI Saturday 23^rd August.

The previous weeks mauling of Staplehurst has given Horton Kirby and outside chance of finishing with a bronze medal and a place on the winners podium in the second division of the Invicta League.

The previous day’s rain ensured that the wicket had more uneven bounce than expected, and Leeds and Broomfield duly elected to field first. A solid opening stand of 81 between Alistair Scott (45) and Ryan Bull (31) took the initiative away from the Leeds bowling attack, as the Horton Kirby batsmen confidently set about the Leeds bowling. However the thin line between ambition and ability was swiftly exposed as extravagant and over-aggressive shots led to a batting collapse as Brad Bull (25) Darren Chambers (32), Jake Stone (19) Nick Merry (1) and Gordon Watts (first ball) were dismissed in rapid succession. Paul White (19 not out) managed the tail of the innings as Atkinson claimed 6-55. Horton Kirby struggled to a below par 210-9, when a score of 250 plus looked likely.

Paul White (3-31) and Ian Abernethy (3-15) opened the bowling and tore the Leeds batting line up to shreds. Paul White can consider himself unlucky as 4 straightforward catches were also dropped off his bowling as Leeds limped to 46-6. Too many Horton Kirby bowlers and fielders switched off at this stage, assuming the game to be won as a series of mis-fields and aggressive stroke play from the Leeds number 3 (65) kept the Leeds team up with the run rate. However too many wickets had fallen early in the innings leaving an inexperienced tail to score at 8 runs per for the last 15 overs.

Darren Chambers (3-23) mopped up the tail and a further 4 catches were dropped as Leeds subsided to 136 all out, to give Horton Kirby maximum win and bonus points on the day.

Saturday 2nd X1 V Headcorn 2nd August 2008

On a day when many fixtures in the league were called off due to the afternoon rain, Horton Kirby were able to start their leaguer match promptly and due to the New covers and excellent drainage, able to complete their game after the rain eventually fell.

Headcorn are second in the leaguer and pushing for the top in a close fought division.

Winning the toss, Headcorn elected to bat first on a wicket that looked fast and true. The batsmen were stifled early on by accurate bowling from Ryan Bull (1-13) and Ian Abernethy (1-15) as the first 24 overs conceded only 34 runs. Sparks (58) was the backbone of the Headcorn innings, however only Quigley (26) provided any support as Headcorn limped to 130-9 in their 45 overs. Gordon Watts (3-32) and Jake Stone (3-16) bowled with accuracy to restrict the batting side.

Any delusion that the rain had made batting difficult was swiftly dispelled as Bradley Bull (50) set about the Headcorn bowlers. Alistair Scott (31) and Geoff Rameaux (28 not out) saw Horton Kirby through to an emphatic victory by 7 Wickets with 10 overs to spare.

This victory pushed Horton Kirby up to 4^th place in Division 2 of the Invicta league and with upcoming games against the teams in second and third place a position on the winners podium is possible, if Horton Kirby maintain this form.

Saturday 2^nd XI vs. Rumwood 1st XI. 19^th July 2008

Keen to avenge last year’s demolition when Rumwood were bowled out for 34, a more determined team arrived at Franks Lane to take on Horton Kirby. Home Skipper Bradley Bull had no hesitation in batting first on a true track under bright sun. The Horton Kirby total of 188 for 6 wickets felt below par in good batting conditions. The home team did not run as many singles or put the fielding side under sufficient pressure with a sedate approach to running between the wickets. Bradley Bull led from the front with 48 and Geoff Rameaux scored a patient but never dominant 70. Rumwood used 9 bowlers in an attempt to stop Horton Kirby from getting accustomed to any bowling style, the most successful was Abrahams who took 3-20.

M Roberts (his first ever 50) and A Luscombe (32) took the attack to the Horton Kirby bowling from the start, Rumwood were 84-1 after 18 overs and well on course for victory. Once the pace was taken off the ball with the introduction of Keith Lockyer (1-33) and Gordon Watts (1-26) the run rate slowed down appreciably. With 12 overs to go Rumwood were very well placed, requiring only 60 runs for victory with 7 wickets in hand.

To close out the innings Bradley Bull introduced Ryan Bull (1-34) and brought back opening bowler Ian Abernethy (1-31) who both bowled with great accuracy and control. Well supported by dogged fielding (although hindered by some very erratic throwing to the wicket-keeper), both bowlers kept the lid on the Rumwood response, as the away side fell ten runs short in a very tense finish.

HKCC Saturday 2^nd XI vs. Eynsford 2^nd XI 5^th July 2008

This local derby is always a keenly contested fixture, with both sides looking for bragging rights over their neighbour. Winning the toss Horton Kirby batted first against a late arriving Eynsford team. The early loss of the Bull brothers to the bowling of Reynolds and Clark, slowed up the response and after 20 overs the home team were idling at 65-2. A fine partnership between father and son Alistair Scott (80 not out) and James Scott (118) of 169 runs took the game away from Eynsford. When skipper Geoff Chambers (37 not out) joined the run feast the Eynsford bowling attack was looking demoralised. The Horton Kirby innings finished on 285 for the loss of 3 wickets.

Although the Horton Kirby score was way beyond the Eynsford ambitions, the away team started positively, as the good track, fast outfield and softening cricket ball made batting conditions very comfortable.

The introduction of wily spin veterans Gordon Watts (2-22) and Keith Lockyer (2-24) snuffed out all hope of an upset, and Eynsford elected for batting practice and survival, finishing on 126-6 as Horton Kirby strolled to victory by 161 runs.

HKCC 2^nd X1 V Marden 28^th June 2008

Still smarting from last years game when a 99 run last wicket partnership stole the game from under their noses, Marden were looking for revenge in this league encounter. Skipper Darren Chambers won the toss in glorious conditions and elected to bat first. As always at Marden, the hard ball caused some early uneven bounce, which made batting less straightforward than desired.

Chambers (31) opened the batting with aggression and was well caught when looking to dominate the young Marden bowling attack. Bradley Bull and Gordon Watts both failed for the first time this year and it was left to James Scott (75 not out) and Nick Merry (38) to pull Horton Kirby back into contention as the away team posted a competitive 203-7.

Although Marden bowled tidily, they were badly let down by mis-fields and dropped catches as the last 10 overs cost 60 runs.

The Marden batting response was impressive. Watts (37) and Nick Burge (58) set out a 93 run first wicket partnership, Mortimer (41 not out) and Thomas (32 not out) scored the winning runs in the last over as Marden won by 5 wickets. Horton Kirby dropped 6 catches in the field, four by stand-in wicket keeper Darren Chambers, and the pressure of keeping a tight field and bowling to it proved too much for the ailing Horton Kirby attack.

Horton Kirby Saturday 2^nd XI vs. West Farleigh 21^st June 2008

The recent wet weather encouraged the West Farleigh skipper to insert Horton Kirby. The wicket however was fast and true as James Scott (31), Ryan Bull (14) and Brad Bull (26) got the home side off to a fast start. The innings was then closed by Geoff Rameaux (26 not out) and Alex Chapman (44 not out) as 70 runs was scored in the last 7 overs. Horton Kirby scored 197-6 in their allotted 45 overs.

Keith Lockyer (2-28) and Ian Abernethy (3-42) ensured that the visitors struggled to score runs early, and after Brad Wain dismissed Barnado for 46, the end was inevitable as West Farleigh subsided to 151 all out.

HKCC 2^nd X1 V Meopham 14^th June 2008

Heavy rain during the weekend left both captains hoping to lose the toss. The wicket appeared soft on top and the muggy atmosphere should encourage swing bowling, however the large boundaries looked tempting for all batsmen.

Darren Chambers on winning the toss inserted Meopham and his shrewd judgement was repaid immediately when opposing skipper Bryant was bowled second delivery by Ian Abernethy (1-27). Deekes (35) and Mick Clark (117 not out) made light of the difficult conditions as they set up a challenging total of 203 -5 from 45 overs. Dropped catches later in the innings and the usual glut of extras (27) gave Meopham an extra 50 runs – which ultimately made the difference.

Alistair Scott has made a habit of scoring heavily against Meopham over the years, unfortunately this time he was undone by a swinging delivery of full length from Wiltshire (1-19) as good bowling and aggressive field settings from the Meopham team put Horton Kirby under pressure. Cole (3-36) and Kirby (4-21) bowled well and only Bradley Bull (50) and Alex Chapman (36 not out) prospered as the home team struggled to 151-9 at the end of their innings.

Cobham 2^nd X1 V HKCC 2^nd X1 7^th June 2008

The weather again dominated the thoughts of captains as they tossed the coin. The previous day’s rain and the muggy atmosphere ensured that batting conditions were difficult and the Cobham captain was delighted to win the toss and insert Horton Kirby. Ryan Bull (33) and James Scott (72 not out) batted serenely in an 84 run opening stand from 26 overs. Deliveries were frequently unplayable as variable bounce and extravagant swing demanded total concentration.

The batsmen patience preyed on the Cobham team, who did not help themselves by dropping 7 catches during the innings. Bradley Bull and Gordon Watts provided good support to Scott as Horton Kirby finished on 166-4 from their allotted overs.

Predictably the wicket calmed down in the second innings, making batting less fraught. Nevertheless good bowling from Brad Wain (3-26) and Paul White (3-15) coupled to the miserly bowling of Gordon Watts (2-20) and Ian Abernethy (1-29) produced the necessary pressure. Crucially, Horton Kirby did not drop any catches, and restricted Cobham to 151 all out.

The only disappointment for Horton Kirby in the field was the extras (35), who for the second week running were the opposition’s top scorer!

Hollingbourne 2^nd X1 V HKCC 2^nd X1 31^st May 2008

A wet and lightly prepared wicket convinced Captain Darren Chambers to insert the opposition. Early chances were missed on a lively seaming wicket, which enabled Hollingbourne to gain the early initiative. Abernethy (2-28) removed both openers and then Lockyer (3-20) added real pressure as he found a length and line that troubled all the home batsmen. After 30 overs, Hollingbourne were 128-6 and looked likely to collapse.

Unfortunately too many runs and extras (48) were being conceded by the other bowlers and this enabled Hollingbourne to amass 204-8 from their allotted 45 overs.

The loss of star batsmen Alistair Scott and Darren Chambers in the second over to accurate swing bowling from Ian Gutteridge (4-31) effectively ended the contest. Although Gordon Watts (24) and Geoff Rameaux (31) fought back, the runs required per over was too great. A late cameo from Keith Lockyer (41) enabled Horton Kirby to reach 155 all out, losing by 49 runs.

HKCC 2^nd X1 V Linton Park 24^th May 2008

The ground staff at Horton Kirby produced a hard fast wicket for this Invicta League game between Horton Kirby and Linton Park 2^nd XI. However, the bowlers on both sides dominated on a track that looked good for at least 200 runs per innings.

Horton Kirby won the toss and decided to bat first, Alistair Scott (43) and James Scott (25) put on 60 for the first wicket against a good opening attack. Mick Beeney (3-11) well supported by good fielding put the brakes on, as the rest of the innings was reduced to a crawl – Horton Kirby limped to 125 all out in the last over.

In reply, Linton Park got off to a steady start, and in a bid to take wickets Horton Kirby swapped bowlers searching for a breakthrough. Gordon Watts (4-24) accounted for the first three batsmen, again well supported by good catching. Keith Lockyer tied down one end, and the introduction of Brad Wain (2-2) and the tireless efforts of Alex Chapman (2-22) in to a strong wind destroyed the Linton Park response as they fell 33 runs short.

Horton Kirby Saturday 2^nd XI vs. Bearsted 2^nd XI 10^th May 2008

Winning the toss was critical as the sun baked pitch was a batting dream in soaring temperatures. Having lost the toss Horton Kirby then made it harder for themselves by dropping catches as the home team wilted in the heat. Only Keith Lockyer (4-53) enjoyed success as Bearsted achieved 200-4. Dimmick with 77 not out and extras (34) were the main contributors.

Having rested in the shade the Bearsted bowling attack showed discipline and accuracy as Horton Kirby’s first 4 wickets fell cheaply. Geoff Rameaux (35) and skipper Gordon Watts (46) brought respectability back to the score, however Horton Kirby were rapidly running out of overs. Brad Wain batted lustily scoring 34 runs rapidly, however the last wicket fell in the final over with Horton Kirby still 51 runs behind.

Bearsted deservedly won at a canter leaving an exhausted and sunburnt Horton Kirby team to regroup for the long season ahead.