Kinross, 20th June 2010

StAUSCC (192 for 5, D. Davies 73*, A. Drew 2/29) beat Kinross (186 for 9, J.Ross 63, U. Pathania 5/25) by 6 runs

Finally the weather Gods produced a beautiful sunny day to allow to actually PLAY a Small Clubs Cup match, at the beautiful setting of Kinross House. The team arrived from various directions to observe shortish square boundaries and a very large hill in the middle of a worn pitch. Losing the toss and fielding we were off to a slow start with the Ross boys living up to their reputation, alternating classy boundaries with well-taken singles. The introduction of Uday produced any change to the scoring rate as he got one to shoot along the ground into P. Ross's middle stump. Nevertheless, at 75 for 1 off the first 10 overs, we were relieved to discover a more cautious middle order who played for the surviving opener who was lucky to survive a number of lofted shots and wafts outside off before being cleaned bowled in Stan's first over. The scoring rate in check, skipper Clemens rotated the bowlers skilfully, using Alex, Dan, Tom H and Phil in short spells with Uday coming back to bowl at the death and complete his maiden 5 for at St Andrews, courtesy of two fine boundary catches by Dom. In between there had been much solid fielding, Phil Pass taking two tricky catches, the first off his own bowling.

After a fine tea and a very necessary cool down under the trees, Dom and Dave started briskly, make use of the shorter square boundaries before Dom was chopped off in his prime. A brisk cameo from Tom C was surprisingly curtailed LBW but nerves were settled by a solid start from Dan who moved us to drinks without further loss. Dave was out shortly after, caught in the deep for another excellent 30, then Stan took a liking to much of the bowling and was unlucky to perish for 23 when rattling the score along nicely. The pitch continued to play tricks with shooters and strange bounces not uncommon. All was handled well by Dan who made solid progress to 50 and then with Alun and Uday for company, took command of the chase from 35 overs on,striking some fine shots to go along with rapid singles called (no, really) by Uday. The chase had looked tight most of the way through but a rapid acceleration at the end brought the innings to a close with a flurry of boundaries and a huge six to win the contest. A good time was had by all.

Thanks to Kinross who were their usual engaging selves and once again proved to be excellent opponents.

- Patrick Jess