Kingwood Village news

KINGSWOOD’S season started in welcome sunshine with a 40-over match against old friends, the nomadic side Travellers.

Batting first on a soft, low pitch, hosts Kingswood struggled, not reaching two runs an over till the tenth over.

Most reached double figures, Kevin Morgan (30), Sam Downes (13), Rory Thomas (23), Davis Newcombe (19), Mike Barnes (11) and Vince Taylor (10), but could not take hold of the visitors` tidy bowling.

A total of 144-9 was competitive in the conditions but not commanding.

And 19-year-old Mike Barnes (3-31) reduced Travellers to 16-3.

A dogged 51 from Dave Morris restored order until Rory Thomas (2-29), Davis Newcombe (1-28) and Ben Foxwell (1-20) evened the odds at 95-6 but, with overs in hand, Travellers` late order batsmen McCarthy (13), Patel (10), Narborough (24 no) and West (12 no) took them home by three wickets with four overs to spare.

Without a pub until the re-opening of its much improved and eagerly awaited “Dinneywicks” later in the month, Kingswood were delighted to host their visitors to beer, cider and sandwiches in the glorious evening sunshine.