Forthill, 7th July 2010

St AUSCC (128 for 5, D. Miller 38, G. Carnegie 3/18) lost to Forthill (129 for 7, C. Walker 27*, P. Pass 2/18) by 1 run

With the weather holding off (despite the presence of Rainmaker Stewart) we had a close game against Forthill, eventually coming up one run short in a tense finale. Forthill batted first and despite an assortment of aggressive shots they could not put on substantial early runs against Stan, Phil and Patrick. Our fielding was rather down on recent performances with several catches spilled, of varying difficulties and a few fumbles allowing them to rotate the strike. With their middle order biffing boundaries and rather enjoying the pace on the ball, they rattled along in the last 5 overs, putting on 45 to bring their total to 129.

Our reply started in traditional fashion with Dave and Dom again opening well together and keeping the rate in sight. Dom was 'unlucky' to depart in the 10th over after a partnership of 59 and after that, wickets fell to G. Carnegie who controlled one end well whilst runs were scored with some ease at the other. With Tom looking in fine form and Mark Ashworth showing real class, the target hove into view and from 23 needed off 3 overs, only 5 were required from the final one. A fine bowling performance from K. Singh restricted the first two balls to singles, then a run out did for Mark and despite Richie's very best efforts only one run was taken from the last 3 balls, Tom being run out going for the tie.

A pleasant match against friendly opponents but frustrating to have come so close and not finished the job.

- Patrick Jess