1st XI cricket v Mowden Hall

Wednesday 6th May

The squad: Will L, Magnus C, Geordie M-C, James C, William G, Ruben P, Arthur S-P, Harry R, Henry F, Mary H & Tilly L

St. Mary’s won by 77 runs

The Tyne valley seemingly got more of the rain over the past few days than the central borders, so today’s wicket, although extremely picturesque, was slightly sticky. Will elected to bat first, so anything remotely straight was going to have to be dealt with very carefully!

James & William opened the batting and once again, they got their team off to a steady start. The long outfield proved a challenge, so what might have been a boundary turned into a hard run two. However, the boys ran well and the scoreboard ticked over. James was the first to fall, a straight ball that didn’t bounce and went under his bat. Mangus came to the crease and saw off the remainder of the over, and did well not to fall victim to the same fate! He was scoring freely and William partnered him well before joining James back in the pavilion. Will was looking strong and played a variety of shots before one stayed low and caught an inside edge onto his stumps. Geordie joined Magnus and batted really well, scoring quickly before retiring. Magnus reached his second unbeaten 50 in two games, before also retiring. Ruben’s stay at the crease was brief so sadly we didn’t get the chance to see just what the ‘axe’ can do! Arthur batted and ran well and also retired, so had it not be for a flurry of wickets in the final overs, our wicket count would have been very low. However, a couple of impressive runouts, Mary & Harry, along with Henry playing around a straight one, left Tilly to see off the final over, with Magnus back at the crease. Together the team amassed a pleasing 124 for 7 off their 20 overs.

In reply our bowling and fielding was tight. Arthur and Henry opened and but from a couple of streaky edges, gave up very little from the initial four overs, Henry claiming both Mowden openers along the way. Two sharp catches from Will at mid-on and a couple of more straight forward catches from Mangus at mid off, helped to keep the wickets falling. Tilly claimed her first wicket for the 1st XI and also had impressive bowling figures as well as an excellent run out courtesy of a direct hit. Other wickets fell to Geordie who claimed a brace and Mary also got two, with her final two bowls, so the next ball she bowls in a match will be for a hattrick! A couple of tight overs from Will and Magnus kept the Mowden team on their toes and they helped their team to their second win of the season. A fine performance which saw all members of the team contribute; very well done to you all. On a personal level, note to self, must remember to take a photo next time!

Next week we travel to Cargilfield for a 2.15pm start.

Mr P MH