Greenock's winning hopes blighted by the rain
Greenock 1st XI vs Aberdeenshire
Greenock 1st XI (0 pts) 235 for 8 (WJ Rowan 94, AHJ Hislop 35, R Lamb 3 for 64)
Aberdeenshire (0 pts) 20 for 0
Greenock were cruelly denied the opportunity to record their second win of a troubled season when after having posted a challenging 235 for 8, the predicted rain duly arrived and stumps were drawn after just 5 overs of the Aberdeenshire innings.
The omens were not good as former Greenock captain Neil MacRae called correctly and had no hesitation in inviting the home team to bat first in dull conditions on a greenish wicket and slow outfield. In fact things could not have been more conducive for the bowlers if MacRae had orchestrated things himself. However it really is a funny old game and Greenock openers Hislop and Rowan made a mockery of the difficult conditions with a wonderful opening stand of 99.
Rowan in particular looked in great touch with a mixture of brute force and majestic timing as both he and his partner kept the scoreboard ticking along at more than five runs per over. Rowan went to a fine fifty with a crunching boundary as Aberdeenshire employed no fewer than eight different bowlers in an attempt to stem the flow of runs. Luck, or rather a lack of it, saw for Hislop (35) as he lofted a half tracker down the throat of Buchan at deep mid-wicket off the bowling of fourth change option Proud. He could have hit the ball anywhere for four but when things are going against you there really is very little you can do.
Bellwood (3) went quickly with the score on 109 when he shouldered arms to a quickish off cutter and was bowled by the lively Buchan. Kruger and Rowan powered on and added 59 before the former danced down the wicket to the twirlers of Coetzer, missed it and was stumped by Reid for a swift 22. McIntosh (1) attempted to maintain the momentum but his uncultured slog off Coetzer was gobbled up by a grateful West with the score on 173. McLaren and Rowan added 25 in jig time before Rowan (94) was rather harshly adjudged LBW with a well earned century beckoning. Begley and McLaren took the total to 220 before Begley (12) perished in the chase for late runs as did McLaren (26) nine runs later both falling to Lamb. Thomson (1) was yorked by a Buchan corker in the last over as Hempsey (10*) and Wylie (1*) took the final total to a very respectable 235 for 8.
Tea was taken but the clouds began to gather ominously as for once the weather forecasters, no doubt utilising the Paul the Octopus method of meteorological prediction, called it correctly and the rains started just as the Aberdeenshire openers took guard. They both enjoyed good fortune on the five overs that were bowled before the heavens opened and the players ran for the sanctuary of the dressing rooms. The two captains met some 30 minutes later without consulting the umpires and agreed that there was no point in pursuing this exercise in futility and the game was ended with a hand shake with the visitors literally marooned on 20 for 0.
This was a game which I firmly believe Greenock would have won as they just looked like the better and hungrier side through the contest but it wasn’t to be as the elements conspired against the locals. Much can be gained from this performance although Carlton will prove to be a much tougher nut to crack when they make the journey from Edinburgh to Glenpark this coming Saturday.
GCC would like to thank Ball Sponsor – Gavin Murray, Match Sponsor – Duncan MacKenzie Quality Butcher and Presidential Suite Sponsor – Fyfe and Murray Solicitors.
