Match report – Hillhead 2s vs Albert Park (H)
On another glorious Saturday at sunny Hughenden, Albert Park won the toss and elected to bat first. Albert Park started well and were helped massively by Hillhead’s loose bowling and lackadaisical fielding. Albert Park were looking comfortable at the crease and in no danger, picking up easy singles and punishing bad balls for boundaries. Too many wides heavily contributed to Albert Park reaching 78-0 after 13 overs.
Up stepped “the master” P. Bartlett – taking responsibility with the ball yet again, Hillhead managed to find the breakthrough with good pressure bowling from Bartlett and H. Sathian taking the catch.
1 brought 2 and only an over later, with Bartlett continuing with the tight bowling, building pressure, M. Forbes plucked one out the sky, airborne and diving up to his left, taking a two-handed catch at cover point to leave Albert Park now 81-2. Hillhead were now back in the game!
Bartlett struck again with the 3rd wicket of his spell – clean bowled. 122-3, game on!
Some fine work behind the stumps by R. Mohammed allowed Sathian to pick up a stumping following a brief rebuild by Albert Park.
2 quick-fire wickets from Forbes, who came back on after his poor first spell, allowed Hillhead to take a firm grip of the match. 172-6.
Sathian picked up another; D. Kumar taking a fine, low catch at short cover. Forbes picked up one more. The remaining 2 wickets were run-outs with some good work by Rammy behind the stumps and S. Kumar in the deep.
Albert Park 218 AO off 42.3 overs
Raja 68*, A. Arfeen 36, Z. Ameen 20
Bartlett 3/28, M. Forbes 3/50, H. Sathian 2/52
Following a much needed break, and some tasty teas, after a long time out in the middle in the heat of the sun, Hillhead knew if they batted the overs they would win this game. A cautious start was required, along with “looking after your wicket”, were the main messages to the batters.
Hillhead did just that, seeing off the opening bowling initially and being watchful at the crease. Bartlett was the first to fall among the Hillhead batters, nicking behind to return to the hut for 4. A. Bell followed suit almost immediately after, leaving Hillhead in a very precarious position of 22-2 after 6 overs. Sai Kumar and Anand Kumar steadied the ship in aggressive fashion, taking the game to Albert Park and put on a 93 partnership in 13 overs. A. Kumar fell for 45 in an innings he can be proud of. A massive shame he missed out on his 50 but it will come if he continues to bat like that!
In stepped John Dew – deputising for the 2s having joined the club this season and making his mark in the first team. A solid 21 from him, together with S. Kumar adding to his tally, swung the pendulum heavily in Hillhead’s favour. Hillhead now found themselves at 165-4 after 35 overs. Sensible batting and some good fortune at times meant Hillhead found themselves in a strong position to get the first win of the season under their belts.
James Thornhill, club president, faced an absolute ripper first ball-up, meaning he went for a golden duck. Forbes arrived at the crease, knowing the job required to see the game home. Forbes and S. Kumar continued building towards the target of 219, until Kumar went for a big shot which didn’t pay off, and a simple catch meant Kumar departed for an excellent 64.
42 needed from 12 overs – a very doable chase but loss of all wickets were now under threat.
Forbes and R. Paryani scored regularly, taking the total up to 200 when Paryani looked to capitalise on an overthrow that did not warrant a run. Sathian came to the crease and together with Forbes – who scored a measured and watchful 30* – they steered Hillhead 2s to their first victory of the season. A relief in the end but nonetheless a great feeling.
Hillhead 2s 219/7 (45.5)
Sai Kumar 64, Anand Kumar 45, Mark Forbes 30*
Raja 3/37, I. Mahal 2/44, A. Arfeen 1/24
Special mentions go to Paul Bartlett who was the pick of the bowlers with 3/28 off 8 overs, Anand Kumar who batted with great intent and aggression and who was extremely unlucky to miss out on his 50, and Sai Kumar who received the Player of the Match Award with his match-winning 64.
Next up is St Ninians away and Hillhead will need to be at the top of their game to get a result in Prestwick.
