Graveney regained  the Kenny Doyle Memorial Shield with a nail-biting finish of just 6 runs to go 4-3 up in the never-ending series at Newdigate on Bank Holiday Monday.

Graveney`s line-up was almost completely different from the side that had battled for a draw at Town Malling two days earlier. Bruce Graham, `jake` Pegg, Raghu, Special `K` (son of Raghu) and young Harry Goodburn were making first appearances of the season for the `Green Caps`  The game format was as last year-40 overs split innings played with `pink balls`-kindly supplied by Dave Moody!

Graveney started their first 20 overs first(!) with in-form openers Rob Davies and Nick Goodburn. Alas, for Rob he was bowled for 6 and postie Dave M made an early appearance back to the pavilion without scoring-Graveney 15-2. Jake Pegg was run-out for 0 (thanks Bruce) and this brought Mark Rance to the crease-receiving a luke-warm welcome from his Newdigate colleagues/friends! Graveney began to flourish and at the end of 20 overs the score stood at 96-4 wkts. 

The Champagne moment (not awarded today) was Rob Davies being hit on the leg when umpiring and having to leave the field for ice!-may be to go with his Gin and tonic!

Newdigate lost early wickets in their first 20 overs stint-with wickets for `Special K`, bigger Tim and remarkably the Chairman (being promoted to 1st change bowler) Special mention to Harry Goodburn taking his first catch for Graveney at deep fine leg.

Postie Dave, without gloves, took 2 sharp catches as Graveney pegged back Newdigate at the half way stage to 88-4 wkts. Time for a break. . .port and cheese!!

In Graveney`s second batting session Bruce Graham completed his 50 but `danger man` Marky Rance, hoping for a big score was dismissed for 31 in the 30th over. Raghu, batting at no 7 hit an impressive 24.

The last few Graveney wickets produced few runs and the `Green Caps` were all out for 168.  Special K not out 7-promotion up the order next time?

 In Newdigate`s second 20 overs Ruky hit a spectacular 41 before being bowled with a great ball from Bruce G to turn the game in Graveney`s favour. C.J.(28) threatened to keep the K.D. Shield at Newdigate with some lusty leg-side shots, but once he was dismissed ( by Bruce again) Newdigate were in free-fall. Young J Morris 27 n.o.) kept the momentum going for the home side but Newdigate just failed to overtake the modest total set. Bruce Graham 5-30 in 5 overs coming up with match winning figures.

It was good to see Colleen Doyle and family attend the latter stages of the match.  Her part in the presentation much appreciated by all and some `nice words` by Skippy Ruky.

(There is no Man of the Match or Champagne Moment awards given in this fixture.)

 

Photos by Rob Davies