Double triumph for Kirkby Portland

Historic Kirkby Portland CC have enjoyed a successful season for both their Sunday 1st and 2nd XIs in the Mansfield and District Cricket League.

The club, from Kirkby Ashfield in Nottinghamshire, was formed back in 1878 and can proudly claim to be the site where the legendary Harold Larwood first played cricket.

Indeed the club’s new brick pavilion, which was opened in 2002 by his daughter Enid Todd, is named in honour of the great Notts and England fast bowler.

Said 2nd XI skipper Steve Fleming: "It's been a very successful season for both the first and second teams The First team have been crowned champions of the premier league in only their second season in it.

"New skipper Darrell Frith has kept his side in the top positions all season but only secured the title the week after Kirkby Portland's fixtures had finished."

The 1sts won 10 of their 18 matches to take the Premier title ahead of Cuckney and Welbeck Colliery, while Kirkby Portland's Sunday second string went all season losing just once in Section 3 of the league, winning 10 games to finish with a points total of over 250 and well ahead of the chasing pack.

Added Fleming: "A mixture of youth and experience will hopefully move the majority of this squad into the first team in seasons to come. Congratulations to all squad members."