Monks Kirby CC v Napton CC

Napton CC were expecting a trip to Eydon in Northamptonshire, but the hosts had to cancel.
Fixture Secretary JP arranged a fixture with Monks Kirby. This is the first time Napton CC, in its present location, has played them.
They are, like Napton CC, a Sunday-only team that has a good mix of ages in their line-up. In fact, there was three generations of one family on the team sheet for this game.

Mike won the toss and elected for Napton to bat first.
With heat and sunshine records forecast, this was a good toss to win.

Mike N and Ollie opened.
Although very steady, it was a tad Boycott-esque with just over 2 runs per over in the first 15 overs.
Ollie was bowled in the 16th by a ‘dolly’ that had him shaking his head and ‘tutting’ all the way back to the pavilion.
Tom came in at No 3.

Mike N was caught in the 19th after a well-earned couple of dozen runs.
James joined Tom in the centre.
However, with half of the allocated 40 overs having been used up, the home-team had just 54 runs on the scoreboard. Slow-scoring in the early part of the game has been Napton’s bête noire in the recent less-than-satisfactory results.

It was at this stage of the innings that Tom decided to ‘open up his shoulders’ and we were treated to a display of his exiting, attacking batting style. An absolute pleasure to witness.
James held up his end admirably. This pair put on a much-needed partnership of 53 runs before James was bowled.
With just 10 overs remaining there was plenty of batting left to build up a decent score.

Ed was next up. It was at this stage in the game that Tom was really accelerating and moving his score forward. Ed just added singles to his own score, in a gallant sacrifice of his averages, to keep Tom on strike.
Unfortunately, a misunderstanding between the batsmen found Ed just out of his ground, resulting in a successful run-out. With a cheery smile, Ed left the field wishing Tom well in his attempt for a century.
Nick, then Mike E played out the last overs with Tom, who didn’t quite reach treble figures.
197-5 after 40 overs.
Tom Hancock 93 runs Not Out 12 boundaries inc. 2 sixes
Mike Nyren 24 runs 3 boundaries
Nick Brown 16 runs 3 boundaries
James Pelter 12 runs
Ollie O’Brien 11 runs 1 boundary
Ed Shillitoe 9 runs
Mike Eadon 9 runs Not Out 2 boundaries
Extras 23

With the visitors requiring just short of 5 per over for victory the game was finely balanced.

Ed and James opened the attack for Napton.
In his second over Ed tempted his target into a skyed ball which Graham waited patiently for to return earthwards for the catch.
James, ever improving, had an excellent spell rewarded by an edge in his third that was neatly taken by ‘keeper Mike N. In his five-over spell he recorded three maidens, one with a wicket included.

Mike E got into the action in his first over via a splendid catch taken on the run by Rory.
Mike’s next over returned a wicket-maiden when ‘keeper Mike pounced on another CB.

At the half-way stage Monks Kirby were on 87, not too far off target but with 4 wickets down.

Tom, keen to emulate his success with the bat took wicket number 5 and a catch by James gave him wicket number 6 dismissing the remaining opener.
101-6 after 24 overs.
A catch by George gave Tom his third wicket

Captain Mike gave Max a chance with the ball and he didn’t disappoint. It must be a bit daunting for a young lad to be bowling with dad looking at you over the sticks at the other end!!!
First delivery was a ‘no-ball’ for over-stepping. This could have unnerved him but it didn’t. Every ball was then well-placed. In his next three overs he a took a wicket in each.
One of the dismissed batsmen was discussing the ball that did for him. Max had bowled, the batsman had moved neither bat nor limb and yet the ball found its target leaving the leg stump at an angle.
Max took the final wicket to end Monks Kirby’s innings on:-
107-10 after 28.5 overs.

Wickets:-
Tom Hancock 5 overs 1 maiden 3-7
Max Nyren 4.5 overs 3-12
Mike Eadon 4 overs 2 maidens 2-9
James Pelter 5 overs 3 maidens 1-5
Ed Shillitoe 4 overs 1-28

An excellent set of bowling figures that protected the advantage gained by Napton’s score that was facilitated by Tom’s cracking innings.
Has Napton got it’s Mojo back ??!!