After gathering at people's park, the National League team headed down the road to Arbroath. With debuts being handed to Brayden Stepien and Matt Brown, coupled with back to back wins in a successful road trip to Glasgow the previous week, spirit and confidence was high. Arbroath won the toss and elected to bat. An even start as Arbroath, through B Ford (56) and R McLean (27) went to 45-0 off 10, with the bowling tightening up a and some great fielding in the covers by the SDCC stalwarts, Shaun "Mr Zeus" Coetzer and Mark "Lamb Chops" Lambley.
The pressure was on Arbroth and a couple wickets fell to Michael Hood (1-61) and DJ Bashir (2-24). Drinks were taken at 25 overs and the score have moved to 93/2. Ford and ex SDCC, Elton Willemse took the score to 106-2 before a succession of wickets fell with Ford stumped of the bowling of Jack (1-21) and H Carnegie (15) caught of DJ's bowling. Soon followed by the Arbroath captain, M Petrie run out without troubling the scorers. At 128-5, SDCC were in the ascendancy. However, we have seen him do it time and again for SDCC and he did so for Arbroath. Elton, along with C Burnett (52) soaked up the pressure then eased their way to 103 partnership before Burnett fell to Matt (2-45). Elton succumbed to another run out and Matt plied out Br Carnegie (10) but Arbroath finished on 255/8 and made a big statement to their 2016 season.
With SDCC's turn to bat, we started very positively with our openers Shaun and Brayden both getting to 50 and 51 respectively and an opening stand of 106. SDCC were back in control of the game. However, as with the batting, Elton was to come on and rip out the top order with four quick wickets as SDCC fell to 117-4. This brought the innings to a screeching halt and after some good bowling from Ramsay (3-26) and the returning M Hurst (2-37) plus one run out, SDCC were dismissed for 130.
Arbroath MoM: A no brainer - Elton for his 62 and 4-30.
SDCC MoM: Brayden - His rapid 51 though a special mention to Shaun for his 50 in their partnership of 106.
Highlight of the Game: Brayden launching a six over the clubhouse to bring up a debut National League 50.
Finally thanks to Arbroath CC for being generous hosts and providing some excellent teas. SDCC wish them the very best of luck for the 2016 season except for the return fixture.