Cricket season has reached its halfway point and, despite the variable weather to date, Kippen have managed to play 5 evening matches in the West Stirlingshire T20 League.
We are currently sitting top of the table with 3 wins from 5, but it has to be said that other teams have not been so lucky with the weather and, as rearranged matches get played, our top position may not be a true picture.
First match In May was away to Stirling County with victory for Kippen in the gathering gloom at New Williamfield. Kippen won by 9 runs with Keir Singleton and Gavin Cross top scoring in the Kippen innings with 26 and 28 runs respectively. Top bowlers were Gavin Cross 3 wickets for 14 in 3 overs and Jacob Kelly with 2 wkts for 7 runs in 3 overs
The following week we lost out to Callander at Meiklewood in a close match by 2 wickets. Graham Brodie top scored with the bat with 35 runs not out and Dave Bentley had a great spell with outstanding figures of 3 wkts for 8 runs after 3 overs.
Next up was the visit of Milngavie to Meiklewood with Kippen victorious, winning by 7 wickets. Willie Anderson and Chris Jewell both scored 30 runs (and retired as per WSL rules). Best Bowler was Les Watson with 2 wkts for 10 runs in 3 overs.
Kippen then played Stirling County at Meiklewood in June and were again winners against the County side. It was a difficult damp pitch to play on that evening and Kippen struggled to reach a total of 86 with Andy Sullivan top scoring with 14 runs. However, County found the conditions even more difficult and were bowled out for 71, Kippen winning by 15 runs. Best bowler was Willie Anderson with 3 wkts for 7 runs in 3 overs.
Kippen travelled to The Garscube Sports Complex for the return match with Milngavie on 26th June, a beautiful evening, but the less said about the match that evening the better. Enough to say Kippen were well beaten!
So, we have home and away fixtures with Doune and an away fixture with Callendar to look forward to. With some luck with the weather, and further good play, Kippen could be in a good position in The West Stirlingshire League this season.
As always Kippen is looking for any new players of any age (Our current oldest player is over 70! And he opens the bowling) and gender, as we play a friendly level of competition and enthusiasm is more important than experience.
Sean Kelly
The Wee Vine 