Stanhope vs. Kibblesworth

Unthank Park, Saturday 23rd August


There are times when you just have to thank the Lord for rain, and lots of it!!! Saturday was no exception, I know that 99% of readers will disagree, but for fans of Stanhope C.C. it was just what the doctor ordered. E. Rowell of Stanhope had managed to prepare a wicket to play on, and the newly purchased covers had worked a treat, all eye's now turned to the heavens hoping rain wouldn't come.

It was an afternoon that would eventually see Stanhope snatch defeat from the jaws of certain victory, and cause a strike bowler to comment, "there are times when you really dislike this game." So what happened ………

The gallant knights in white were ready to start play at the allotted time, only to see 4 players from Kibblesworth kitted up and chomping at the bit. In fact the game did not state until 13:40 hrs by which time the visitors had arrived and were striding out to face the bowling of Stanhope. This delay meant that Stanhope claimed the Toss and elected to field, as well as Kibblesworth forfeiting a total of 12 overs form their Innings. Thus Kibblesworth could bat for 33 Overs and Stanhope 45 Overs. A good, solid start to the game, and one that certainly got the home team fired up.

Opening the bowling for the home team was I. Muse and R. Young, these two bowlers were able to contain the Visitors well, and after 10 overs the score had advanced to 10 runs without loss. Young in particular after being absent for at least 6 weeks was a man on a mission and took the first wicket after just 11 runs had been scored and in the 12th over. Very soon after Young claimed his second taking J. Thompson for 0, special mention to P. Fitchett who took a classic slip catch. The ball was moving fast and reflex's made sure of a perfect take.

G. Smith at number 3 for Kibblesworth put up some solid resistance causing S. Campbell to change the bowling attack. It wasn't before Rowell took a catch half-way to the boundary to remove who was dismissed after scoring 2 runs. D. Laverick supported G. Smith well with both players eventually scoring 9 and 27 respectfully. Incidentally these were two of the highest scores on this day. G. Wright and S. Campbell simply tore through the Kibblesworth middle and lower order, the players simply had no answer to the Stanhope bowlers; their figures prove the point. I. Muse 9 overs, 13 runs, 1 wicket; R. Young 8 overs, 8 runs, 2 wickets; S. Campbell 5.2 overs, 17 runs, 3 wickets; G. Wright 5 overs, 14 runs, 3 wicket. Even B. Irwin out of the game for many weeks kept it tight with 2 overs for 14 runs. In the Kibblesworth posted 76 runs after being bowled out in under 30 overs.

At tea it was all looking as if Stanhope had a certain 20 points and another comfortable victory in the bag. It just needed the batsmen to take the team over the winning line with 45 overs to play with, and a run rate of under 2 an over. What could go wrong.

Young and Fitchett opened the Stanhope run chase. R. Young lack of play recently meant that he became the first wicket to fall, and very quickly, for 0 in the first over. Striding out at number 3 was J. Ivil, who took a quick boundary for 4 runs and then looking to hit out again exposed his middle stump was beaten. C. Skinner came in at number 4 and looked settled very early on.

Unfortunately it did not last long and after 6 runs, he to exposed his wicket this time to the bowling of a young M. Watson who removed the bails to claim his second wicket. It was all down hill from this point on. Watson then bowled G. Wright next ball and with cries of "take your time Frank" Gloves Stephenson walked to the crease to accompany P. Fitchett. These two were together at 20 overs when drinks were taken. In the 21st over Fitchett was bowled by Watson after a scoring a workmanlike 21 runs, the second highest score of the day.

The cunning Kiwi, S. Campbell was next in the firing line, and very soon became the 3rd of D. Laverick eventual 5 victims, after scoring a single. Enter B. "Foxy" Irwin at number 8 and thank heaven he did. Taking his time Irwin put up some solid resistance to become Stanhope's second highest scorer. The final 3 batsmen fared no better putting on just 7 runs, N. Page with an injured knee being Not Out on 2 runs at the close of the home sides Innings. Stanhope were all out for 73, just 4 runs short of victory.

So why can we thank the rain? Well this was the only Division 2 game played this weekend. This means that the top two teams of Stanhope and Coxhoe are still separated by 32 runs. Kibblesworth has now climbed a position to be second from bottom with106 points and 2 wins to their name.

Next week sees Stanhope travelling away to Houghton, always a strong team and with this weekends performance will see them struggling to claim a win. The batsmen need to take stock and look at the bigger picture before attempting to hit out. Just remember if time allows, then use it to your advantage keeping your wicket intact. As with other games, it has been the fielding of Stanhope that has set up the game for Stanhope to take. This game was no different, albeit 3 regular batsmen were missing but that should not have mattered in this game.

With a total of 40 points up for grabs from the 2 remaining games, Stanhope need to gain at least 9 points to be sure of keeping alive the Championship. Coxhoe will be playing bottom of the table Belmont so the title chase could get even closer by this time next week.