With Machin and Horton now at the crease Twycross looked to build on a poor start, but they found scoring hard as both bowlers settled into good rhythm finding a good line and length. Machin was looking the more dangerous batsman as he drove Knibbs for 4 before slicing a drive off Kirby over the gully for 4 more. This was to be the end of his luck as Kirby induced an inside edge onto thigh pad and through to Hubbard’s waiting hands. Machin protested that he didn’t touch it but maybe this was justice for Holland not walking. In Kirby’s next over he struck again as Horton was bowled by a good leg stump yorker. Twycross were not looking good and Huncote were well on top.

Brewin replaced Knibbs and after some field adjustments got into his rhythm and kept things tight, at the other end Kirby was replaced by Sommer. This was immediately effective as Sommer found the outside edge and Hubbard claimed his second catch. Twycross now had North and Sharpe at the wicket both of which looked comfortable against the medium pace attack if not scoring with any freedom. After a good 6 over burst Brewin was rested as Adcock came on to try and break the partnership, unfortunately this did not work and he was slightly expensive. Sharpe was the next batsman to go, a mix up between the two batsman saw Sharpe well run out by Crossley. After 3 overs Adcock was replaced by Knibbs who struck straight away, Hubbard taking a great stumping down the leg side removing North. Ross Matthews then ran out the number 10 and Twycross were looking like being bowled out for less than 120. Kirby was bought back to try and finish off the innings bowling a maiden first up, the score 117-9 with 6 overs left. The next over could have proved very costly for Huncote, Knibbs bowling 3 half volleys all dispatched to the boundary, a long hop also dispatched as well as 2 no balls and a single. 21 from the over and Twycross were looking to add as many as possible, Kirby bowling the next over saw Knibbs miss-field at fine leg and Twycross scramble 2. Next ball and it was all over as Kirby banged one in a bit and induced a thick top edge that was well held by Brewin at 3rd man. Twycross all out for 140 with Kirby grabbing his second 5 wicket haul of the season.

Tea was taken and Huncote’s usual opening pair of Crossley and Hubbard took the field, it was a slow start with only singles scored before Crossley opened up a bit and started to hit a few 4’s. It wasn’t long before Machin bought himself into the attack and soon struck getting Hubbard caught at slip by Horton for 4. Lill joined Crossley and these two kept the runs coming, Pete Lill smashing one huge 6 off Machin. Huncote passed half way before Crossley was bowled on 49 by Holland, the bowler took the celebrations slightly too far jumping over the stumps another action he might have regretted later on. Brewin came and went for a quick fire 14 including one glorious 6 over Holland’s head, caught by Horton off Machin. Khawaja joined Lill as the score passed the 100 mark before Lill tried one big shot too many and was caught at mid on off the bowling of Machin for 26. This bought P Kirby to the crease, although he looked a little scratchy he managed to hang in there hitting one memorable trade mark 4 off his legs. Huncote were now well on their way to the 141 target when Holland got smashed for yet another 6 this time from Khawaja.

With about 5 overs remaining Huncote got the runs required down to 6, Khawaja wanted to finish it with one hit but picked out the long on fielder with one bounce. 5 to win Holland the bowler Khawaja walks down the track and smashes him back over his head for 6 and a good 6 wicket win for Huncote. 24 more points for Huncote and with an under strength side, next week sees the return of Smith and Driver as Huncote take on the Caribbean’s at home.

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