St. Mary’s 1st XI v Ardvreck

Wednesday 20th May 

The 1st XI: James, William, Will, Magnus, Arthur, Goerdie, Mary, Tilly, Harry, Ruben, Henry 

St. Mary’s won by 55 runs 

Following such a super win at Cargilfield last week, today the team were determined to continue in similar vein in our first home game of the season, this time against our friends from Crieff. Magnus won the toss and elected to bat first. 

James & William have shouldered the responsibility of opening the batting for their team all season, and so they did again today. Both batted well and I was pleased to see their shot repertoire growing as their confidence grew. James eventually retired on 20 and William was run out on 6 but both batted through to the 8th over. Magnus again made the game look easy but pulled a short delivery straight to square leg and was caught. Will was striking the ball as well as I’ve seen him and seemed to have an answer for everything that Ardvreck threw at him; he also retired but not before scoring a brilliant 65. Arthur and Geordie batted well and kept things moving. Arthur was caught on 7 and Geordie retired on 9 to allow Tilly and Mary time at the crease. I was pleased to see both Mary and Tilly begin to find their feet. Mary played some lovely shots and finished on an unbeaten 10, Tilly also looked strong and finished on 1 not out.  

William and James had a super opening partnership of 33 but having been 63 for 3, we finished on an impressive 140 for 3. What was particularly pleasing about that was seeing so many contribute to the team’s total.  

We timed tea well. A very heavy shower delayed the restart by about 20 minutes so although the ground was soaking, we sought refuge in the pavilion and stayed dry. 

Henry opened the bowling and as we’re becoming accustomed to now, he struck in the first over. Will also claimed a wicket in the 2nd over, after which Ardvreck were 3 for 2. It wasn’t until the 6th over that we took the next wicket, this time an accurate spell from Magnus that claimed two more wickets, both bowled; Ardvreck were now 34 for 4. The 5th wicket to fall was remarkable. Geordie was bowling and the Ardvreck number 7 was seeing the ball well. He smashed a short delivery towards cow corner and a waiting Mary. Initially, I was sure the ball’s trajectory was going to go over her head, but somehow she backtracked, jumped backwards and extended her right hand. Quite how she managed to cling onto it, I’ve no idea, but she did and in doing so took what may well end up being the catch of the season.  A bit of a 6th wicket partnership saw the visitors make good inroads towards their target and it was only broken thanks to a super run out by a Harry / William combination. Likewise, the next wicket also fell to a sharp bit of fielding; this time it was James who fired the ball into William behind the stumps. Ruben wrapped up the innings in his 3rd over, finishing off a good spell. The first of his wickets was another brilliant catch from the outstretched arm of a diving Magnus and the second wicket was bowled.  

There was much to be pleased with today. Every member of the team earned their stripes today, contributing with either the bat, the ball, in the field or all three! Ardvreck were a talented side with some very capable cricketers, so to get the better of them by 55 runs was very pleasing indeed. Well done to you all. 

Next week we welcome Belhaven to St. Mary’s.  

Mr P MH