16/05/04 - Huncote V Walton Le Wolds

Huncote 228-9, Walton 79 all out - Huncote win by 159 runs. Scorecard

On a hot Sunday afternoon Huncote won the toss and decided to bat first. In the corresponding fixture last year Huncote amassed 299 with Spencer finishing 150 not out so hopes were high for a repeat performance. 

The usual suspects opened the batting and for the first time this season this partnership was not fruitful as Hubbard was bowled for 0. Kirby came and went for 2 caught behind off Blood, Schutz started with a 4 and looked in fine form before becoming Blood’s 3^rd victim as he trapped Schutz LBW. Spencer then entered the game looking to repeat last year and looked like he was well on the way as the ball started disappearing to all parts. Spencer managed 23 before being painfully bowled off the box by Blood who was looking a big threat to a big Huncote score. Blood soon had 5 wickets as he yorked Driver for 4 leaving Huncote struggling at 93 for 5. Crossley was still at the crease and was looking in good form as he continued to drive his score on, he reached 49 before cutting straight into gully’s hands the ball was juggled before being caught. 6 down and only 113 on the board it was up to Brewin and Kirby to get the score back on track.

Blood was heard to say the “150 was gettable on here” this only spurred on the batsman as Brewin took control. Blood was dispatched for a huge six followed by a couple of 4’s, one ball was lost in the bush as Brewin smashed another big 6 off Cartwright and the runs started flowing. Brewin reached his first 1^st team 50 with 3 to long on, a great innings just when required and a sign of what Brewin is capable of. Brewin did not stop here and from 50 to 73 seemed like seconds before he was caught at deep square leg, he left the field to a massive round of applause as Huncote were now on for another big score. Adcock was bowled for 0 and Kirby soon followed, after clipping a 4 off the legs he was bowled by one that kept a touch low. It was down to Knibbs and Sommer to finish off the fun, with Sommer’s quick runs and some lusty blows by Knibbs Huncote managed 238/9 the same total as the previous day.

Tim Kirby and Knibbs opened the bowling with not many runs being scored and no wickets taken. In the 9^th over Kirby finally struck as he bowled the Walton opener, Whale,  and soon sent the number 3, Jones, back in similar vain. Enter Blood and after a close run out appeal he tried to hook Kirby only to get a top edge and lob a simple chance back to the bowler who made no mistake. Meanwhile the other opener, Blackham, was standing firm while playing the occasional shot, two slices of luck came his way as the usually reliant Schutz dropped him at first slip off Knibbs before one went in between Schutz and Driver off Kirby.

It wasn’t long to wait for the next wicket as Kirby induced a thick which lobbed to Adcock in the gully, then Kirby struck again trapping Cartwright LBW to grab his second 5 wicket haul of the weekend. After over 28 overs in the weekend Kirby was looking tired and was replaced By Brewin, this bought immediate dividends as he trapped the Walton skipper Kettle LBW leaving Huncote requiring 2 wickets for their second victory of the weekend. It was now time for Sommer to get in the act as finally the opener was caught by a diving Pete Kirby at point then the last man was bowled by Sommer reducing Walton to 79 all out. Huncote win by 159 to complete a very productive 48 point weekend.  

MOM usually with figures of 12 overs 6 maidens 15 runs 5 wickets for Kirby this decision would be easy but after Brewin’s 73 from only 40 balls to turn the game Brewin is the MOM.