Glenpark XI rue disappointing batting performance

Milngavie 2nd XI vs Glenpark XI
WDCU Championship Three
Saturday 17th June 2023

 Scorecard       

After last week's disappointing performance, it was hoped that Glenpark could bounce back for this weekend's mid-table clash - but it wasn't to be. Another below par batting performance meant that, although being a bit more competitive this time around, another loss looked likely at the half-way stage.

Things started badly: Peter Hempsey, returning to the team, would have hoped for a few sighters to get back into the rhythm of batting, but a cracking delivery in the first over meant his stay at the crease was short-lived. After that wickets fell at regular intervals against a bowling attack that was both wayward and difficult.

Dave Sharma battled hard to build an innings but, when he criminally missed a slow full toss, it didn't look like any sort of challenging total would be set. Peter Robertson and Ewan Stewart had different ideas, however, sharing a partnership of sixty runs to create some respectability and ensuring the visitors saw out their 40 overs. The final total of 175 looked reasonable, but it was disappointing that less than a hundred came off the bat.

Thing looked hopeful when, in reply, Emily Norris struck in her first over, Ewan hanging on to the catch at the second attempt. At the other end, a now familiar hobbling Dave bowled an uncharacteristic wayward first over, but then settled into a rhythm that often beat the bat.

There then came a rain break to add to Glenpark's woes. The target was reduced by Duckworth / Lewis, and the team would have to bowl with a wet ball, with many fielders likely to slip without studs due to the artificial wicket.

When play resumed Dave managed to create a chance from the number three - but Sudeep Choudhary was unable to hang on to it at point. Ewan finally made the break through, again teaming up with Peter - this time as bowler and wicketkeeper, but with that being after over a century partnership, the result was inevitable. There were no other successes before the revised target was reached.

At the half-way stage of the season Glenpark are pretty much out of the running for promotion. After a rest next weekend, they will now have a run of easier games (except Anniesland) to build back a bit of confidence. They should look to bat first against teams that they bowled out cheaply first time round, in an effort to get used to spending time at the crease; hopefully they can then come out victors in the more challenging matches.

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Dave 36 runs