What a difference a couple of wins makes; confidence was high as the team assembled on a cool and overcast evening at Seaton Burn. For the second fixture in a row, we were just 10 men but this went un-noticed until we tried to complete the batting lineup, several overs into the game.
Put in to bat by the opposition, the pitch and outfield were still suffering the effects of recent rain. Playable but tricky. Ankush and Pradeep opened up, with Ankush the first to suffer the effects of lack of bounce, bowled by one that shot past his ankles. Pradeep fell in similar manner not long after leaving us 16/2 and with the possibility of a seriously low score.
Cox and Latif looked to rebuild, the conditions and some accurate bowling hampering the scoring rate. The change in bowling saw the shackles freed up to a degree and runs coming freely for a few short overs. The partnership didn’t quite reach to 50 as both departed for 21, with the score on 61.
With only half a dozen or so overs left it was a case of trying to rack up as many as possible, anything over 100 being a solid score. Hamid began brightly, finding the boundary with relative ease before being run out in unfortunate circumstances, his bat bouncing as he tried to slide it in, and being mid air when the stumps were broken. The remainder of the innings consisted of attempts to force the score but with limited success. 88/8 the end result.
The Mallards bowlers began their task well, keeping the scoring rate down to around 3 an over for the first 7-8 overs. The fielders were looking sharp, making several fine saves and protecting the valuable runs. The wickets which were sorely needed failed to materialise while a series of mistimed shots and leading edges promised more than was delivered.
A few dropped catches didn’t help, ranging from Latif losing a loopy one, that just looped past his head, in the sun, to Cox failing to hold on to a diving chance at short cover. Another day and a couple would have stuck, making a very different story.
Ultimately, despite a few breakthroughs later in the innings, including a catch finally held, the batsmen found a bit of rhythm and were able to pick up the scoring rate, taking advantage of the gap left in the field by the absent XIth man.
Seaton Burn got over the line with four overs to spare to close out an enjoyable fixture played in good spirit, so we look forward to a chance at revenge in the return fixture.
Finally, cheers to Ian Watson to turning up and doing a bit of umpiring – much appreciated, just bring your whites next time!