The day started with a surprise – Farhad managed not to be the last to arrive at our meet point at Harlaw, though he was last to arrive at Crathie car park following a “stately” drive (according to his passenger). On arrival at Balmoral, the captain duly lost the toss and we were invited to bat. Eddie and Jawad opened but both were soon back in the pavilion, outfoxed by the wily Bob McAra. Farhad and Tariq then rebuilt the innings putting on 42 before Tariq became the second batsman caught by our winter trainee, Mike Baldry, having made 20. Alan then joined Farhad and the score moved on to 95 before Farhad was caught for 42. Stuart and Jack had brief partnerships with Alan but at 116-6, the game was in the balance when Rory went out to bat. The next 10 overs changed the game as Rory and Alan ran well and played a few big shots to add 57 before Rory was bowled for 35. Alan passed 50 and finished on 65 not out as the innings ended on 190-7.
After the usual Crathie tea (pies of various kinds – very nice), we took the field with the usual old and young opening bowling partnership. The captain struck with his 6th ball, the batsman sportingly walking after a thin edge to Tariq who took a good catch. Tariq then followed this with 2 stumpings, one off each bowler and Edward claimed his second wicket bowling the opposition captain, Chris Bell. The captain did his best to prolong the game by putting down at least 2 caught and bowled chances but managed to induce the next 2 batsmen to miss straight ones, and by the time Farhad bowled the batsman the captain kept reprieving, Crathie were 50-7. Edward then showed his older colleagues how to do it with a good low catch at square leg off Rory, before both George and Stuart bowled good, long spells of spin bowling. Stuart picked up the last 2 wickets leaving Crathie on 80 all out.
A pretty comprehensive win and a good team performance with everyone contributing. Thanks also to Crathie for their hospitality and the spirit in which the game was played.
Grades 190 – 7 (A McLean 65no, F Chowdhury 42, Rory Taylor 35; R McAra 3-28, D Russell 2-23)
Crathie CC 80 (J Thomson 23, N Bell 20no; Robin Taylor 4-20, S Lister 2-10, E Freeman 2-13)
Crathie CC MoM: The evergreen Bob McAra who continues to take wickets with him 3-28.
SDCC MoM: Alan for his 65 not out.
Highlight of the Day: The final wicket falling, putting the cap on a good team performance, which topped (just) the look on the captain’s face when he realised that Farhad had arrived at the pre-match meet before him. This of course means we excluded the wonderful selection of pies that included a venison and cranberry offering, as that will always be the highlight of any trip to Crathie.