Falkland XI, 14^th July 2011

St Andrews University Staff 116 a/o (36.2 overs) beat Falkland 98 a/o (39.3 overs) by 18 runs
(U. Pathania 49) (D. Miller 2-14, P. Jess 2-16)

An excellent bowling and fielding performance backed up a resilient innings from Uday to guide St Andrews to their 10th straight league victory.

After being asked to bat first, Dom and Dave put on a solid opening partnership of 20 before both fell to catches in the infield. Tom soon followed after managing to deflect a delivery onto the stumps whilst trying to leave it. Phil hit his way to a season high of 13 as he and Uday attempted to rebuild the innings. Unfortunately a collapse saw 4 wickets fall in 4 overs for 13 runs as the middle order struggled against the swinging ball and some big spinning deliveries, leaving us at a precarious 59 for 7 at the halfway point of the innings.

The lower order proved the value of staying in, Pat blocking manfully in an 8 over partnership to help Uday put on an invaluable 34 that was to be the highest partnership in the match. Uday then decided to run Pat out without score but carried on playing responsibly and risk free as the last 2 wickets realised a further 23 runs - Stan proving an excellent number 11 even whilst struggling with an injury that made him slower than an asthmatic ant with heavy shopping.

With the pitch not easing up, Angus and Dave bowled an excellent new ball spell to leave Falkland 12 for 2 after 10 overs. Dave's opening burst of 5 overs went for just 5 runs, whilst Angus took the wickets courtesy of a thin edge behind to Paul and an LBW, as he took 2 for 19 in a 9 over spell.

Falkland then attempted to consolidate and reached the 18th over at 38 for 2, although Hamilton never looked comfortable and survived a number of inside edges past the stumps as well as a close LBW appeal. The remaining opener was dropped twice and, aside from one 6, struggled to assert himself. The introduction of Pat reaped immediate reward, Hamilton miscuing a pull and Tom pouching a safe catch. A further 3 wickets then fell quickly for the addition of 14 runs. Uday induced a bat-pad held by Stan at slip and then Omar took a good catch off a well hit shot at midwicket. With Pat taking a caught and bowled to remove the captain, Falkland were left needing 63 off the last 12 overs, with just 4 wickets left.

Although their lower order tried to hit out, the partnership of Phil and Dave bowling the last 9 overs sealed the game. Dave taken 2 deserved wickets, whilst Phil removed the one last batsmen looking capable of getting them close. With 20 runs required off the last over a risky single led to an easy run out and another win for St Andrews.

- Dominic Bransden