The SDCC National League team went away to Glasgow for back to back games as part of our pre-season warm ups. Firstly on Saturday to West of Scotland CC, potential opponents in the Scottish Cup should they get past Irvine CC.
Having won the toss, WOS elected to bat first and opened up with L Farndale and captain, G Watson. For SDCC, regular opening bowlers, Jamie and David led the attack. Although runs were kept relatively tight, WOS were able to move to 27-0 before the introduction of Michael brought the breakthrough as he dismissed Farndale (8) caught by Ryan. McLachlan (6) followed shortly after again to Michael with the catch being taken by Mr Zeus himself, Shaun. WOS 35-2. (WARNING PRODUCT PLACEMENT ALERT - Should anyone want any Zeus cricket equipment please visit: Zeus Cricket).
Back to cricket and J Fearn arrived at the crease but was quickly bowled for 2 to Matt. WOS 44-3 off 17 overs. With a rebuild required, C Gibb joined his captain and the paid began what was to be the highest partnership of the WOS innings, as they took the score to 93-3 before Watson was dismissed for a patient and well made 43 to the surprise legspin of Jack caught behind by Andrew. With ten overs left, WOS on 93-4, had to decide whether to go for runs or try to bat out the remaining overs. Before they could make a decision another wicket was taken by Jack, this time tempting J Singh (0) to give Jamie a catch leaving WOS on 97-5.
Our captain, Mr Zeus, rotated the bowlers as WOS continued to try and put a target on the board around Gibb who continued to play patiently but wickets again fell as David came back to dismiss D McNulty (6) caught behind and G Singh was run out without troubling the scorers. WOS completed their 40 overs on 124-7.
The teams broke for a very nice tea provided by WOS who catered for all requests and the teams set out for the start of the SDCC innings, led by Brayden and George.
Brayden once again set out like last week and moved the score quickly to 20-0 within three overs as he attacked WOS bowlers G Sandhu (0-23) and S Brown (1-27) from the start. The dismissal of George (2) caught and bowled by Brown, did little to stem the flow as Brayden continued his attack with Jordan keeping him company at the crease. The pair move the score to 70 before Brayden was bowled by T Gardiner (1-31) for a blistering 58 off just 30 balls that included five 4s and four 6s (including two that hit cars outside the grounds).
70-2 soon became 78-3 as Jordan (11) was bowled by McNulty (2-18) then 87-4 with Jack (7) being caught by Watson off the McNulty. However, that was to prove to be the last success for WOS, as DJ Ahklaq (8*) and Matt (30*) patiently saw off the bowling and chased down the remaining runs with a six by Matt to win the game. SDCC win by six wickets.
WOS MoM: G Watson for his patient 43 at the top of the innings.
SDCC MoM: Brayden. His rapid 50 took the game away from WOS and ensured a potential difficult target was overcome without any unnecessary pressure on the rest of the batting order.
Highlight of the Game: Highlights included the Zeus bat making its debut. After crawling to three runs, Jordan called out for the Zeus and promptly raced to 11. Finally a special mention to West of Scotland CC for being such generous hosts and playing the game in excellent spirits. SDCC wish them the very best of luck for the 2016 season.