Rossie Priory XI, 20th May 2012

University of St Andrews Staff 142-9 (45 overs) beat Rossie Priory 87 all out (39.2 overs) by 55 runs
(T. Clemens 44, D. Bransden 35) (P. Jess 3-10, B.Reiss 2-5, H. Wilson 2-7, D. Miller 2-10)

St Andrews Staff travelled to Rossie Priory on a glorious Sunday afternoon to continue their league campaign with a team shorn of regulars. After losing the toss St Andrews were asked to bat first on a pitch that showed irregular bounce from the start.It was clear early on that it would not be a high-scoring game and Miller and Bransden set about trying see off the opening bowlers, before two quick wickets left St Andrews struggling at 16-2 off 10 overs. Then Tom Clemens and Dominic Bransden put on an excellent partnership of 84 in 23 overs, dealing well with some low bounce and big spin to keep the score ticking over. The match turned again as Hardy took 3 wickets in an over just as St Andrews looked to accelerate. With consolidation necessary Jamie Alloway helped to add another 23 before Bransden's long innings was finally ended on 35 as he looked to accelerate. Some aggressive lower order running then took the score up to 142-9, an excellent target on a bowler-friendly pitch.

Some tight bowling early on, backed up by an excellent catch in the covers by Clemens, meant Rossie Priory were on the back foot early, with Miller taking a second wicket to leave Rossie at 22 for 2 off 11 overs. The change bowlers then ensured no let up, Ben Reiss bowling 5 maidens in a spell of 2-5, with Henry Wilson finishing with 2-7 off 7 overs, including the dangerous A. Rodney.

With the win now out of sight Rossie looked to eke out runs for batting points, but Jess (3-10) and Shakoor ensured the innings was wrapped up with the score on just 87 in the 40th over to wrap up another convincing victory for the staff.

- Dominic Bransden