Star Green ‘un – Saturday 15 May 1909
Denaby Down.
Denaby 169 South Kirkby 170 for 8
Denaby started the season with exceptionally bright prospects, but the opening month’s play has considerahly darkened them.
Thus early the “Villagers” are finding the road to the championship strewn with difficulties. The improvement manifested after their initial reverse may be said have been maintained, but their form yet has fallen short of that of the champions, whose victory at Denaby by two wickets put the South Kirkby party in high spirits.
It was, however, a close call, the winning hit not being made until the last over the game.
Denaby, who batted first, made 169, showing a good consistency in batting. H. Pennington, the old Notts County goalkeeper, was top scorer with 30. but was run closely by C. Bury, the captain, who made 27 not out in a fine effort put his team in a winning position.
But South Kirkby are strong right through. They responded to the calls the hour in manner befitting champions.
A beautiful innings by A. Bairstowe, who made 68 not out, and a fine contribution of 56 by W. Jessop, brother, I believe, of the Gloucestershire captain, “did Denaby down.” their partnership turning a close match in South Kirkby’s favour, though there was precious little in it. Quite the best bowling from G. L. Robinson, who took the eight Kirkby wickets that fell, thus again rendering fine service to his side. A week before he made 50 not out with the bat. So that it is pretty that “Luther” has come to his own again.
And comparatively badly as Denaby have got off the mark—three points out of a possible eight—there can be no disputing that the side is stronger this season than for years past. For my part I quite expect the club to figure high in the list by the time the competition is brought to close.