20 Apr 2008 - Cartwright, the difference
The bright spot on a cold day in the season`s opening match between Kingswood and North Nibley was the batting of Richard Cartwright, whose innings was the difference between the two sides.
Put in on a slowish wicket, Kingswood soon lost stars Kevin Morgan and Angus McCubbin to good catches by Tony Jones and Rowley Brown, off the bowling of Rob Harrold and Rob Marlow. Veterans Rod Alexander (29) and David Hatton (32), with 129 years between them, recovered the situation with a 53 partnership. Their Vicar of Dibley "no, no, yes" calling probably more entertaining than their less than four an over run rate. When both fell to Paul Findlay and Brown, 16 year old Ben Foxwell (12) and Vince Taylor challenged until Findlay (3-45) and Pearce (2-5) scythed through the lower order. A last heave around an Ed Holcombe off-break by Taylor (30) left Kingswood all out for 136.
North Nibley`s target of 137 in 70 minutes plus 20 overs looked easily achievable but much less so when skipper, Adrian Sherratt and No. 3, Rob Harrold, fell in McCubbin`s and Steve Moran`s first overs. With Bob Hunt and Richard Cartwright uneasy against McCubbin`s pace, another wicket seemed likely and a Nibley win much less so. Gradually, Cartwright`s fluency showed and it was the Kingswood attack on the back foot. As the St. Mary`s church bell rang the last 20 overs at six o` clock, Nibley passed the 100 without further loss. True, Ben Guy`s third ball deceived Cartwright for an excellent 69 and Ian Pratt at slip pouched Marlow off Foxwell but the resolute Hunt (43*) saw Nibley comfortably home by six wickets.
Next week Kingswood hosts Slimbridge, hopefully in warmer weather.