Largo, 23rd September 2012

StAUSCC 178-5 (T. Clemens 48, S. Frankland 40 ; R. Brown 2-19) beat Largo 177-6 (A. Anderson 74* ; A. Davies 2-32) by 5 wickets

A final chance to display our cricketing prowess before autumn finally closes in saw a repeat trip to Largo on another beautiful sunny day - although a keen SE breeze kept reminding us of the long Fife winter ahead. A stronger-looking opposition line up were invited to bat first and were forced to crawl along as Dave and Alyn bowled well, restricting the scoring to little more than a run a ball. Alyn dismissing both openers, one LBW and the second to a good catch from Abdul who then came on and bowled a testing spell, taking a wicket and keeping the run rate down. Stefan came on for his first spell for the Club, taking a maiden wicket courtesy of a good boundary catch by Tom and with Joe's varied spell also producing a wicket, Largo were in some difficulties at drinks, having stuttered to 47-5. The game continued in similar vein until Angus foolishly took his 20th wicket of the season, ushering Alex Anderson to the crease as the last 10 overs loomed. Alex wasted little time reminding us of his considerable batting talent, hitting the ball hard and taking advantage of a faltering St Andrews performance as erratic bowling and ground fielding allowed the score to race up to 177 - an 11 over partnership of 110 runs with Alex finishing on an impressive 74 not out.

Following a fine tea, we set about the highest total we have faced all season, starting with an unorthodox opening partnership of Abdul and Angus. They were able to get us off to a rapid if occasionally fortunate start, until Abdul was once again trapped in front for a brisk 9. Angus settled into a more sedate mode as Stan scored at a comfortable rate, taking the score along to 71 in the 19th over before the impressive McFarlane took two wickets in four balls. Paul departed soon after drinks, bringing together Tom and Dom, needing 5 an over with a slightly extended tail looming on the horizon. Displaying some of their best form of the whole season, both batsmen found gaps in the field, hit the occasional poor ball to the boundary and maintained the run rate before taking advantage of a pivotal two overs from B. Coates who was hit for 20, tipping the balance of the game firmly in St Andrews' favour. Within sight of our first weekend half-century of the season, Tom succumbed to the excellent R. Brown for 48, ushering Dave to the crease as the sun and the temperature dropped swiftly. Dave decided not to waste time getting any colder and thumped the 11 required for victory from 5 balls.

A decent performance to finish a broadly successful season - bowling remains our core strength but there is plenty of room for improvement in batting, the free flow of extras and occasional fielding lapses. Roll on the outdoor net facilities we are promised for next year.........