First victory for Kiveton

Kiveton Park 246 for 4

KIVETON Park picked up their first victory of the season in their local derby against Harthill at Thorpe Road.

Kiveton opened with Adam Whiteley and Richard Grainger, who, from the outset, looked comfortable and confident on an easy paced pitch.

Whiteley (51) was the first wicket to fall after Harthill decided to take the pace off the ball with the introduction of spin at both ends.

Harthill skipper Ian Briggs captured the prize wicket of Whiteley soon followed by the wicket of fellow opener Grainger (41).

However, Kiveton were in no mood to surrender this great start as Matt Cartwright (66) and Matt Hall (57*) continued the pace of the innings.

Cartwright fell to a catch in the deep but with wickets in hand, Kiveton were able to post a very competitive score of 246 for four after their allotted overs.

In reply Harthill struggled to keep pace with the run rate as Kiveton’s opening attack of Matt Hall and Paul Clark bowled accurately to restrict the home side.

Harthill never looked in danger of being bowled out and were always in with a chance of victory whilst South African Jeffrey Myburgh (84) was at the crease.

He particularly targeted the short straight boundaries but once again the introduction of spin bowling was the turning point in the game.

Kiveton’s spin duo of Rob Coxon and Luke Donaghy restricted the run rate whilst capturing wickets on a regular basis. Coxon (3 for 16) was Kiveton’s most successful bowler of the day.

Once Myburgh departed Kiveton were pressing for victory but Harthill managed to hang on despite a run out adding to the nerves in the closing overs.

Kiveton will be well satisfied with their performance and will hope to build on this in their next match against table-topping Retford at home on Saturday.