Hillhead 1XI 55 all out (32 overs) 0 pts, Kelburne 1XI 56 for 1 (18 overs) 25 points
Remarkably, given all the preceding heavy midweek rain, this WDCU Premiership fixture started on time, thanks to a Herculean effort from ground staff and helpers in pre-match preparation which included raking up large amounts of heavy grass cuttings. In these occasions, when poor weather has occurred midweek, the “deck” is always regarded with suspicion by the side batting first.
A quick look at the scorecard might support that view, but perceived wisdom was that the Hughenden strip was not a “55 all out wicket,” rather the home side succumbed to a combination of fine medium fast bowling from Steyn, the Kelburne overseas amateur, and poor judgment and lack of patience when countering the mysteries of Wylie’s slow left arm spin. The former accounted for the top 4 in the home order, returning match figures of 8-2-14 -4, 7 runs of which were wides; while the latter in his unbroken 10 over spell saw off 4 of the home middle order, returning 10-3-15-4. Only opener Krushnesh Patel with 9 in 40 balls and captain, Jim Lindley-Dawe with 10 in 33 balls showed much application.
For their part, Kelburne batted sensibly and comfortably, apart from the odd “hurry up” which strike bowler, “Logger” Lynch delivered, and it was his seaming delivery which accounted for opener Cook, well taken by gloveman, Lindley-Dawe. However Zain Mohammed and Gilmour suffered no alarms, finishing on 19 and 18 n.o respectively. Disappointingly, Hillhead’s bowlers gifted some 13 wides to the visitors reply.
Next weekend, June 1 and 2, Hillhead 1st XI have 2 away fixtures; on the Saturday their league fixture is Irvine away, while on the Sunday in the first round of the Challenge Cup, Penicuik provide the opposition. To make these games competitive, the Hillhead batters will all require to occupy the crease for as long as possible to ensure totals are posted which their bowlers can defend.
Image: Krushnesh Patel, Hillhead’s opening batter.