SDCC’s second league game was a trip down to face Dundee High School FPs CC. Having won the toss DHSFPs, elected to bat first despite their low score on the same wicket the week before.
Chris (0-53) took the new ball with Connor (1-51) with DHSFPs opening with J Braid (23) and F Saeed (8). The teams began cautiously Connor was able to break through the guard of Saeed to leave DHSFPs 25-1 after 8 overs. This brought in DHSFPs overseas amateur, L Russell to the crease. Along with Braid, the pair saw of the remainder of the new ball pairing then gradually played themselves in as Jon and Ryan came on and bowled a miserly spell of 18 overs 0-32. After 28 overs, DHSFPs were 88-1 and SDCC seemed to be in control of the game with the run rate sitting at just 3 runs per over.
However, a mix up and some fine fielding by Connor brought an end to the patient Braid and this brought Balaji Ramalingam to the crease. Once again, SDCC were unable to take the chances offered. This time Balaji offered a catch to the deep off the luckless Chris but the chance was not taken. Balaji is a player that should not be given too many chances and he made the most of his opportunity to rapidly increase the scoring rate as he and Russell began to open up.
The two put on an excellent partnership of 138, plundering 106 runs in the final ten overs to finish on a formidable total of 230-2.
SDCC were treated to an excellent tea by DHSFPs before opening the innings with Connor (12) and Andy (35). Throughout the innings, a number of players managed to get in but wickets fell at regular intervals despite SDCC maintaining the asking rate as Adam (13), Chris (2), and Kevin (12) fell in quick succession with G Hopkins (1-56) and Balaji (4-34) breaking the top order. SDCC hopes were retained as Owen (29) and Ryan (33) continued to score runs. At 176-5 with ten overs remaining the game was in the balance. However, quick wickets from the evergreen B Hopkins (1-12), S Johnny (2-19) and the returning Ejaz (1-26) meant that SDCC would finally fall short by 31 runs as they ended on 199.
This was a much improved performance by SDCC with the bat on what was a difficult pitch to bat on despite the high scoring by both teams.
DHSFPs MoM: A very easy decision - Balaji Ramalingam for his 71 not out and 4-34. A special mention should also B Hopkins who showed and schooled the SDCC youth by bowling a perfect line and length to finish with excellent figures of 9 overs 1-12.
SDCC MoM: Ryan. His 33 and was backed by his miserly figures of 9 overs 1-18. A special mention to Owen whose partnership with Ryan brought SDCC close to the target and Andy, who has earned a call up to the 1st team following some good performances over the past three games.
Highlight of the Game: This has to go to Lachlan Russell for his lapshot of Connor that was both brave and elegant to watch.