In search of Gobblers Knob
by Alan Rowley, 27th May 2003

Unusually for this country, the Bank Holiday was warm and sunny, so what better way to spend the day than take in some Premier League cricket. A quick look at the fixture list showed that Kimberley were at home to Bridon and there was a top of the table clash at Wollaton.

First port of call was Kimberley. but a late start, caused by the distraction of several race meetings on attheraces, meant that I missed the majority of the Kimberley innings. Three half centuries from Colin Birch (51), James Griffiths (54) and Gareth Clough (54) had left Kimberley in a formidable position against a weak Bridon team, who are propping up the League.

With Bridon's future looking in grave doubt, they are struggling to attract players, which is a shame because they are a friendly bunch, who all stopped behind after the game to share the hospitality, despite a lengthy journey home.

Kimberley's future, on the other hand, looks very secure. Recent ground improvements have seen the hedge on the Leisure Centre side disappear to be replaced by a metal fence several yards back from the boundary. This has given the ground a much less clostrophobic appearance, and the bank created by the removal of the hedge will be a great place to watch the cricket in the height of Summer. The club have also invested in some very attractive memorial benches which have further enhanced the look of the place. Well done lads.

When tea arrived, Kimberley had scored a formidable 275 for 5 from their 55 overs, a score which many believed to be out of Bridon's reach. But more on that later as it was time to visit Wollaton.

Wollaton's attractive village ground

A quick drive down the road and Wollaton's attractive village ground was reached. A true village set-up, with a pretty ground set in the centre of the village, overlooked by an attractive church. The ground was bathed in sunshine and looked a picture. A large Bank Holiday crowd was watching the action and, as usual, first stop was the bar.

Alas, Wollaton falls into the large group of clubs that don't open their bar unless asked. I find this very annoying, as what better way to advertise your club than to ensure there is a welcoming face behind a well-stocked bar. Clubs please take note, this is, for a lot of people, their first impressions of the club, so why not make it a lasting impression and boost the club's funds into the bargain? Moan over!

Full credit to the tea ladies, however, who offered to open the bar, but being as I was driving, I declined the offer, opting instead for a glass of orange, and a cup of tea for the other half. The tea ladies wouldn't accept any payment for the beverages - top marks girls.

Meanwhile, on the field, Caythorpe were in a strong position. Richard Bates had created havoc with the Wollaton innings, demolishing them for 140 to return figures of 7 for 37 from his 21 overs.

Richard Bates in action

Jimmy Hindson sets off for a quick single

The visitors started their innings well, with openers P K Riley and Jimmy Hindson (46) setting off briskly. Riley fell with the score on 37 and this wicket heralded the arrival at the wicket of destroyer Bates. The former Notts lad laid into the Wollaton attack with three soaring sixes in his unbeaten innings of 60. A partnership of 80 between Bates and Hindson won the game for the visitors with 12 overs to spare.

Final score were:

Wollaton 140 all out in 55 overs (1pt) lost to Caythorpe 143 for 3 in 44.2 overs (20pts)
Caythorpe won the toss. The match started at 1300hrs and ended at 1906 hrs
For Caythorpe, Richard Bates 7-37 and 60 not out; James Hindson 46

A full match report can by found on Caythorpe's excellent website - click here.

A quick journey back to Kimberley saw an arrival at the ground with Bridon 6 down for 60 odd. A quick finish was expected, but this was not to be as the Bridon tail began to wag. Nervousness crept into the Kimberley attack as the fielding started to flatten out, and, with overs remaining rapidly decreasing, the regulars were becoming impatient in the gathering gloom.

Owzat? Not out!

Richard Gomboss in action in the Kimberley v Bridon game

Richard Gomboss, who earlier had taken a spectacular catch right in front of the Kimberley pavillion, tore into the Kimberley bowlers. He launched some huge sixes into the adjoining houses in a cameo innings of 45 in no time. He brought some life into a game that was dying on its feet.

A few overs later, the final wickets fell to leave the Brewery Boys clear victors by 133 runs. Final scores were:

Kimberley 275 for 5 in 55 overs (20pts) beat Bridon 142 all out in 48.1 overs (2pts)
Bridon won the toss. The match started at 1300hrs and ended at 1936hrs
For Kimberley Colin Birch 51; James Griffiths 54; Gareth Clough 54. John Shaw 5-46; Jason Gorman 3-23
For Bridon, Richard Gomboss 45.

A pint of Carling was enjoyed in the bar before the customary purchase of the annual "Kimberley Takeaway Quiz". 62 questions to be answered, and debated about throughout the season for a prize of £30. It's not the prize money, it's the prestige.

Now then, where would you go to see 'Gobblers Knob'? The mind boggles!

Full results from the Bank Holiday action can be found here.
An image gallery from the day can be found here.