Harold Larwood
Flintham Cricket Club’s first away match of the 2025 season was at Kirkby Portland CC in Kirkby-in-Ashfield.
It was the home ground of 1930s “Bodyline” bowler Harold Larwood – a former teenage miner.
Larwood used his raw pace and unnerving accuracy to bowl leg side into the ribs of Aussie batsmen in an Ashes series down-under.
Many were caught by a ring of close fielders as batsmen struggled to defend themselves against the steepling deliveries.
It caused a diplomatic incident between Australia and England.
Luckily, the bowling in this South Nottinghamshire League A match was certainly not as controversial.
Flintham lost the toss and Kirkby Portland chose to open.
Their batters had a solid start with an opening partnership of 100 runs, the first wicket falling in the 20th over.
Despite a second quick wicket another 100-run partnership was achieved with three players of their top four batters scoring over 50.
Kirkby had a very creditable first innings score of 333.
The most successfully Flintham bowler was Max Pritchard – Flintham’s overseas player from Australia who achieved his first five wicket haul.
Flintham initially struggled to form a partnership in their innings, losing two early wickets for just 33 runs.
Spencer Taylor and Michael Playle temporarily steadied the ship.
They also put together a 100 partnership before Michael was out lbw for 53 runs.
Taylor was again the mainstay of the Flintham side, seeing several wickets fall before he himself was out for 55 runs in the 40th Over.
Despite a valiant effort by tail-ender Max Danby – scoring 31 runs – Flintham were all out in the penultimate over, falling 79 runs short of the target.
Flintham captain Max said: “Kirkby Portland made the most of their home advantage and their aggressive batting style paid off.
“Max Pritchard bowled brilliantly at the death to help keep their total in check.
“At the halfway mark of our chase we were very much in the game – thanks to the composed fifties from Mike Playle and Spencer Taylor.
“Unfortunately, we couldn’t push on.
“We showed plenty of fight and took some positives heading into next week.”
Max Pritchard
Max Pritchard said:
“I’m pleased to take my first five wickets haul of the season but overall it was a disaapointing result”.
