After the previous week’s scratch by Rossie Priory, SDCC were back in action with a trip to Strathmore CC. Having won the toss and looking at a teamsheet that contained one of the strongest batting line-ups in a long time, the captain decided to bat first and opened up with Connor and Martin.
The pair started off relatively relaxed and eased the scoring rate along at 5 an over before Connor (9) was bowled by a straight one by Gibb (2-13). George was back in the hutch following a LBW that would have been immediately reviewed given the only person asking the question came from Mid On. Adam did not last much longer a Kiyani had him caught behind and SDCC fell from 32-0 to 41-3 for yet another entry into the hall of SDCC batting collapses.
Meanwhile, Martin (23) was batting without any real problems and looked a class apart from the rest of the team such was the ease with which he was batting and his timing. Unfortunately, this was ended by a miscommunication as he was run out by a direct hit from point to leave SDCC 59-4.
Owen joined Mark and the pair put on 20 runs relatively comfortably before another surprise as Mark (13) was found to be LBW to Saim. SDCC 72-5. Chris, batting slightly lower than normal joined Owen and saw off Shoaib and Saim before a change in bowling brought on N Hazel (4-6) and McDonald (1-5). The pair looked good together and eased their partnership along that included the shot of the day by Chris as he caressed a six straight over the sightscreen as elegantly as you will see on a cricket field. The score moved to 103 before first Owen (16) then Chris (22) became the first victims of Hazel. Others followed quickly as Hazel ripped through the lower order and SDCC fell to 114 all out.
A very disappointing effort by the team on what was not a hard wicket to bat on with the majority of the players getting themselves out.
Following a short tea break, SDCC elected to open with spin at both ends as Mike (1-29) and George (3-16) quickly took out the top three Strathmore bats to leave them 13-3 after 7 overs.
The brought together M Simpson and N Hazel who took advantages of the numerous chances put down by SDCC with Simpson in particular batting patiently with the determination to see his side home. He was deservedly there at the end finishing on 60* with Hazel ably supporting him with 28 as the pair took Strathmore within a few runs of victory before M “Birdie” Gourlay came in to score the winning runs.
Strathmore won by 6 wickets.
Although this was a poor batting performance with by SDCC, there was much improvement in the bowling department as each of the bowlers went at around 3 runs per over. Catches may have made a big difference, but overall, Strathmore were deserved winners on the day as their fielding in particular outshone that of SDCC.
Strathmore MoM: Perhaps slightly controversial, but it goes to Nigel Hazel for his 4-6 off 3.5 overs and his 28 runs in a partnership of 93 that saw Strathmore all but complete their win. A special mention to Matt Simpson for his unbeaten 60* that was a match winning innings.
SDCC MoM: A tough call between Martin who batted so well but it goes to George for his return to the cricket and figures of 3-16 that caused a bit of heartburn to Strathmore at the start of their innings.
Highlight of the Game: Easily Chris’ soaring six over the sight screen that will no doubt be replayed for the rest of the month!