Ferrier Cup, 25th July 2012

University of St Andrews Staff 102 all out (25 overs) lost to Dundee University Staff 114-6 (25 overs) by 12 runs
(S. Hunter 21) (S. Frankland 3-17)

St Andrews failed in their bid to regain the Ferrier Cup last week as again catching and top-order batting were not up to scratch.

After Dominic won the toss and chose to bowl first, Angus and Dave did their usual good work but were let down by fielding as 4 simple catches were spilled by the 5th over, 3 of them reprieving the dangerous Yearworth. With Ross eventually showing how to hold a catch, the score was 30-1 off the first 8 overs. Yearworth then began to find his touch with a couple of big sixes, and with support from the no. 3 advanced the score to 74 in the 15th over before Stan accounted for him courtesy of another catch by Ross. An excellent bowling effort in the latter half of the innings, with 5 overs each from Stan (3-17) and Alyn (1-16), and a wicket at the death for Pat, meant a modest total of 114 was set for St Andrews to chase.

In reply the lack of top order partnerships undermined the initial chase as St Andrews were left at 25-4 in the 10th over, two run-outs contributing to the downfall. With Dominic playing positively to keep the run-rate in check, and Josh forming a solid partner, the score advanced to 47 before Josh was clean bowled. Dominic and Steve then took the score to 61 in the 17th over before Dom was bowled for 15 off 18 balls. Steve played some excellent shots through the legside to try and keep the target in sight but fell with the score on 83 to an excellent catch behind the stumps, after contributing 21 off 26 balls.

With Angus swinging lustily on his way to 11 in a partnership of 19 with Pat, a respectable total of 102 was reached without victory ever really being within grasp. With a highest partnership of just 22, and a tendency to lose wickets at vital times, improved batting will be vital in the latter half of the season.

- Dominic Bransden