1st XI division three
3rd June 2006

There was some history with this match going back to a Div 4 game 2 years ago.  However, the SKLP lads were a great bunch, and its worth noticing that they were a tight team.  They warmed up together, backed each other and warmed down together.  They comprehensively beat us in the end – although we played OK in parts.

A warm day, and a strange wicket.  We batted first after winning the toss, and only managed 98 in 47 overs.  Nick was undone by a beauty, Gert struggled a bit also, and Dyll was unfortunately run out.  Rich Wyllie looked compossed for his 17 and Swaps played very well for his 24 – the pitch not helping as he chipped back to the bowler.  Once Chris had come and gone I went in, and found a tough wicket to bat on!  I got 16 before holing out to mid-wicket, and Tom did shortly afterwards.

98 was not enough, even on that wicket.  However, Tom and myself bowled pretty well to get them 30odd for 4.  Game on, but that was it as they managed to get the rest of the runs with not too many worries.  I thought Si Carson bowled really well, and Gert showed some good control also.

Quick mentions should also go to Si Carson for two excellent catches, Tom’s catch at slip, Nick Scott’s brilliant fielding and finally a stirling days 12th man duties from my old mate Jacko.  It’s a pleasure to have him with us – and what a Ploughman in the making.

Thoughts?  More runs needed – application and some fight from the batsman.  The bowling needs to be better too.  Concentrate on line and length chaps – the pitch will do the rest!

MR