Glenpark XI match the weather with a dismal performance
Glenpark XI v Torrance House XI
Before play Glenpark would have been delighted that the game against Torrance Park was still on as they were fielding a strong team against a side that they had beaten soundly twice last season, and who were still looking for their first success this year. At stumps they wished the fixture had gone the way of most of Saturday’s programme as the dismal conditions were matched by their performance.
Fielding first, opening bowlers Dave Sharma and Phil McIntosh both had early success, but the visitors’ third wicket partnership put them in the driving seat. Glenpark had their chances though – catches going down off Dave, Phil and Jonathan Hempsey (though there was also divine intervention as one of Dave’s deliveries hit off stump without dislodging the bails). Dave had further bad luck with a recurrence of last year’s Achilles tendon injury which made him less effective in his last overs. Mark Robertson replaced Dave but, now playing in a persisting smirry of rain, found it difficult to grip the ball. Greg McDougall and Sam Sanghera fared no better, and it wasn’t until Jonathan returned that Glenpark picked up another wicket after a 144 run partnership. This was followed by the champagne moment of John McNab scoring a direct hit from a boundary throw to secure a run out. Wickets fell regularly thereafter, but the bowlers continued to delivery the odd poor delivery to keep the runs flowing, allowing Torrance House to reach a total of 244.
It was still felt to be a getable target and, apart from the early loss of Dougie Moore, Glenpark started well with Phil and Mark frequently finding the middle of the bat. When Phil was unexpectedly dismissed, Jonathan kept up the run rate. However things went awry after a second rain break in the 19th over as three quick wickets put the team on the back foot. A substantial partnership was required to reach the revised target of 201 off 36 overs but, in spite of some hard hitting from Sam, this was never forthcoming, as wickets were lost carelessly and the Glenpark innings ended 32 runs short.
To be a serious challenge for the league this season Glenpark need to win the matches they are expected to, as well as some they are not, today they failed in the former. They will need to bounce back strongly at Renfrew next week.
Torrance House XI (12 pts) 244 for 7 (50 overs) Ralph 102, Urquhart 76
Glenpark XI (4 pts) 169 (31.2 overs) MI Robertson 34, PC McIntosh 33, Richardson 3 for 31, Urquhart 3 for 37
Glenpark XI were set a revised target of 202 to win in 36 overs.
Torrance House won by 32 runs
Glenpark XI Man of the Match: Phil McIntosh - for the second week running, runs, a wicket, and a good outfield catch.
Scooby Award: Kieran Begley - for using Father's Day as an excuse not to play on Sunday and, not for the two catches he missed, but for the one he didn't even attempt!
'The Snake'
