Clackmannan County XI, 4th August 2013
Clackmannan County XI 146/ao (30.5 overs) lost to University
of St Andrews Staff XI 150/5 (35.4 overs) by 5 wickets
(H. Wilson 4-10, A. Stewart 3-10, A. Davies 3-47) (D. Miller 37, J. Threlfall 35*)
After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Clackmannan openers started
aggressively, bypassing the outfield in search of boundaries. The first wicket,
Sultan, fell in the eighth over, with the first of two excellent catches by
Stefan off Alyn, but with the score already at 61. The approach of the batsmen
did not falter, but some persistent bowling and some unusual field settings
eventually brought some control, and Alyn got his reward for a hostile spell
by bowling Mehboob for 62 and then having the number 3, Ali, caught in his
next, and final over (finishing with 3 for 47). From the same end Henry produced
a typically probing spell (4 for 10), bowling the last dangerous batsman, Bisio,
before taking out the middle order, with Jhangir pouched acrobatically by Dom
behind the stumps. Phil was unfortunate to end a disciplined spell wicketless,
but took two catches in the covers off Angus (3 for 10). After a spectacular
start the Clackmannan innings subsided to 146 all out in the 31st over.
In reply, the St Andrews innings began confidently, with Dave and Alyn almost
keeping up with the Clackmannan starting rate, in a partnership of 42
characterised by well struck boundaries and aggressive running. The change
bowlers, Sultan and Mehboob, slowed the rate down, and Dave eventually fell
for an excellent 37 (56 balls), caught behind sweeping at Ali. After Aakash
was narrowly run out attempting a quick single, Dom and Tom settled into a
typically good partnership, before the chaotic 26th over saw both depart:
Tom was caught off a no-ball at deep backward square leg, and so relieved was
Dom at his partner�s reprieve that he came down for a quick hug, unfortunately
being run out attempting to return to his crease; four balls later Tom repeated
his earlier stroke to a legitimate delivery and followed his captain to the
dressing room. The new partnership of Henry and James proved decisive, however:
Henry played the supporting role admirably while James flayed the bowling,
demonstrating an array of drives and pulls � as well as unleashing the
Threllscoop � along with some judicious blocking. James finished with a
personal top score of 35 not out at a run a ball, as St Andrews reached the
total with 26 balls remaining.
Overall this represented an excellent team performance on a good pitch and in
fine weather, with skilful bowling spells from Alyn and Henry, supported by
five catches and tight committed fielding, and with contributions from all the
batsmen, most notably Dave and James.
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