Almond Valley, 1^st May 2010

University of St Andrews Staff 173-5 (36.4 overs) beat Almond Valley 172 a/o (37.3 overs) by 5 wickets (Frankland 3-18, Dick 49)

St Andrews travelled to sunny Perth to take on Almond Valley in our only 40 over game before the start of the league season.

After winning the toss and opting to field first, St Andrews made the ideal start with Angus removing the opposition captain without a run on the board, courtesy of a mistimed drive and a sprawling catch at mid-off from Patrick. Angus soon took his second wicket as the No. 3 bat edged behind for Roshan to take a fine catch on debut. At 18-2 Almond Valley set about consolidating, and then accelerating, with the score soon reaching 78 without further loss, with the ball deposited into the car park at one point . Then, with a runner causing added confusion, Dave and Pat combined to effect a run-out and, 8 runs later another wicket, as Andy bowled the aggressive Rahgu in his first over, partially redeeming Phil for his earlier dropped catch of the same batsman.

Almond Valley then began to put together another partnership, bossed by the big-hitting Le Roux,before Andy claimed his second wicket to finish with 2-14, and at 125-5 at the halfway point the game was evenly balanced. However, Stan and Phil combined to take the last 5 wickets for just 25 runs. Stan with 3-18, courtesy of two return catches and a sharp take at square-leg from Jon, and Phil returning to finish off the last two batsmen to take 2-20.

In reply, Dave and Andy set about the bowling with confidence as they put together a 49 run opening partnership before Dave fell to a return catch. In partnership with Stan, Andy carried on scoring runs at ease before becoming a victim of low bounce, out LBW for a fine 49 and Stan soon followed, bowled round his legs attempting to sweep to leave us at 98-3, with 75 still needed for victory. However, with Tom continuing his early season form with some excellent strokes, and Bev providing a solid ally, they shared a 41 run partnership before the old adage of never running on a misfield was proven - Tom entering into the comedy run-out club for the season. Bev then began to accelerate the scoring with a flurry of boundaries as the target rapidly came within reach, and although he was bowled with just 7 more needed, victory was easily reached with 5 wickets in hand, Roshan remaining unbeaten in his first innings for the club.

A good win, with all members of the team contributing, bodes well for the 40 over league season ahead.

- Dominic Bransden