Glenpark XI end season in style
Glenpark XI v GHK/Strathclyde
Glenpark maintained their winning streak in the season finale this Saturday.
Winning the toss skipper Mark Robertson invited the visitors to bat first. Openers Phil MacIntosh and Dave Sharma bowled tightly, but were unable to penetrate the defensive play of the GHK top order – the only success coming from an early run out. However the low run rate allowed Mark to introduce his spin early, and he struck in his third over with a sharp catch behind by Chris Hempsey (a later catch off Sam was even sharper). Kieran Begley replaced Phil and beat the bat on many occasions, but failed to find the edge. Mark continued to have success at his end to keep GHK pegged back, but it was when he was joined by talisman Sam Sanghera that Glenpark really started to make inroads. He had a little trouble with his radar, but as soon as he bowled on target the stumps flew. The indefatigable Mark was finally replaced by Greg McDougall, who struck in his first over, and it looked as if the innings would end early, but a good stand from the last pair frustrated the team to a final tally of 133 for 9.
Glenpark made a good start to their quest chasing this modest total. Dave and Sam played watchfully as the opening bowlers found a lot of swing with the new ball. As usual Sam peppered his watchfulness with some lusty blows – including a massive straight six. When he eventually dragged a wide ball on to his stumps, for the second time this season, the opening partnership was 64, and the team were well on their way. Dave seemed set to play the anchor role, continuing his current good form, and was joined by Chris after Kieran went cheaply. Just as his half-century was looming, Chris misjudged a run to cover and Dave was left stranded, run out for 47 – even more frustrating as he needed 48 to end the season with an average of 50. Even so it still looked like a straightforward win, but after Dave’s departure there was a bit of a wobble with four wickets falling for 20 runs. It was up to the experience of Toby Thomson and Brian Roberts to see the team home.
It was not the most dramatic game of cricket, but a satisfying win none the less – and played in good spirit by both teams, something sometimes sadly missing at this level. The highlight of the day was the race challenge between sprinters Greg and Chris – Greg shaved it, demonstrating another way in which he resembles Linford Christie!
GHK/Strathclyde (5 pts) 133 for 9 (50 overs) SS Sanghera 3 for 21, MI Robertson 3 for 42
Glenpark XI (25 pts) 136 for 6 (24.2 overs) DC Sharma 47, SS Sanghera 38, Goodfield 3 for 28
Glenpark XI won by 4 wickets
Glenpark XI Man of the Match: Sam Sanghera - for a fine all round performance.
Scooby Award: Chris Hempsey – For throwing the ice from his drink towards instead of away from the pitch and for gracefully dancing round the wicket
'The Snake'
