Strathearn CC vs. St. Andrews University Staff CC, 29th July 2007.
Strathearn won by 29 runs

At last the weather seems to be relenting slightly so we were able to enjoy our first visit this year to Doocot Park with only one heavy shower to detain us during the match! Strathearn won the toss and batted, making relatively slow progress against an excellent opening spell from Matt and Angus - Matt bowling very well without any luck and Angus providing the first breakthrough, removing the dangerous opener McKimie for 21 courtesy of a superb slip catch from John Gilmore. The following over brought about a smart run out as Stuart hit the stumps direct from point but the wickets dried up as Strathearn made steady progress past the 20 over mark. Cap'n Stan brought himself on to immediate effect, the other opener chipping a catch to Aman for 21 but another partnership between F. Ali and the very impressive youngster S. Edwards kept the scoreboard moving until Ali was removed for 69, Fergus taking a steepling catch off Patrick. Aman came on to bowl the last 5 overs and proved an inspired choice, supplying Fergus with his second catch and a stumping before clean bowling two tail enders. John bowled one final over, taking an excellent caught and bowled which had unfortunately reached him off top edge and forehead of the sticken batsman, whose departure to hospital for a precautionary check left Strathearn with 10 men to defend 168.

The Staff reply started in halting fashion as make-shift opener John Gilmore was clean bowled first ball and then Roy provided a fine addition to the team's collection of bizarre run outs, attempting a third run with the ball being relayed in from cover. With Fergus out for nought in the 5th over, Stan and Aman had their work cut out to keep things together and although they brought the score along to 57, Aman's departure left us with over 100 runs to find from the final 6 wickets. Stu and Andy both departed in the 18th over and with Stan still playing well, Matt provided obdurate assistance, hoping to survive the surprisingly accurate bowling from Strathearn's collection of young bowlers. The game finally turned when Strathearn's top scoring batsman, Ali, came on bowling quick inswingers which immediately disposed of Stan and then David and although Matt hit out to push the total past 100 his flurry of boundaries was cut short by another Ali inswinger. Angus and Patrick were left to put on an enterprising 22 for the last wicket, bringing the target within theoretical reach until Angus was last out - the seventh wicket to go down bowled - a collective commitment to play straighter may be required if we are to improve our win ratio through August. Nevertheless an enjoyable match played in a very positive spirit, as always with Strathearn.