Match Report - University 3rd XI, 27th April 2008

St. Andrews University 3rd XI 234 a.o. St. Andrews University Staff CC 114 a.o.
University 3rd XI won by 120 runs

The University thirds batted first under clear skies and got off to a good start, with John dominating an opening partnership of 60. For the staff, Matt Clarke and Tom Elliot bowled reasonably well with the new ball, but failed to take a wicket. Chris Farnsworth bowled well on debut, and was unlucky not to pick up a wicket. It was left to the spin department of Alex Smith, Stan Frankland and skipper Mike Harrison to take most of the wickets. Stan and Alex took two wickets each and Mike three as John compiled an impressive century before retiring on 108 and Hunter and Ripley hit their way to 35 apiece. Hamza Chungaiz, also making his debut for the club, bowled well and finished with two wickets. Further positives to be taken from the innings were the good fielding and the excellent wicket-keeping of Sean Scheider, who completed a smart stumping of Alex's bowling.

Mike Harrison and Stu Cross once again got the reply off to a good start, with their customary good running between the wickets, but Mike fell to a ball that kept very low and Stu fell shortly after to a thick edge. Thus began the habitual collapse, while Stan compiling an impressive 55 as wickets tumbled around him. The wickets were shared around the bowlers, with two each for Ripey, Pass and Stannard and three for Foulger.

Ultimately, after some slightly inconsistent bowling, a total of 234 was too much for the fragile early season batting order. There is certainly room for improvement in both the batting and bowling departments!

- Alex Smith