NEWS

1^st XI Start Season with Derby Win

The first test of the season for the 1^st XI was against local rivals Stewarts Melville.  Having lost the last 5 encounters with them was going to be a true test for the new look 1^st team.  It’s safe to say they’ve past with flying colours.

Pro Ryan Reeves opened his seasons account with the 4^th delivery of the day as former Lion Vishal was bowled with a quicker one to start the Stew Mel demise. 

A good opening spell by Paddy Sadler and some good pressure building in the field brought the next wicket.  Paddy took a great caught and bowled for the cameras as he dispatched their pro.
Mallen (chucking those left arm pies above!) then got in on the act as he struck with an LBW leaving SM on 41 for 3.

Every bowler seemed keen to take wickets and only Pallav missed out on the day with Ryan, Paddy, Mallen, Kev and skipper Preston taking 2 each.

Paddy being the pick of the bowlers with figures of  6.4-2-13-2

Although the top order seemed to show some resistance some good fielding and tight bowling soon told as the wickets fell and home team where bowled out for 122 in the 43^rd over.

With a low total on the board and a strong batting line up the Lions started the chase a bit to eagerly finding themselves 3 for 41 as Preston, Rob and Ryan where all out for single figures as Gamble struck twice in quick succession to get his 3 for.

However Cunners and Kev McLaren where still there and putting up some good resistance.  The game may well have been over sooner had Cunners been able to find the middle of his bat as he made his way to 32 before being bowled by Pro Motsamai.  Kev Meanwhile was plodding away and rotating the strike well.  As he was joined by fellow debutant Craig Adams, Kev started to turn the screws and moved swiftly on the 55 not out to win game.

So a match winning innings from new boy McLaren and some good bowling and fielding all round secured what turned out to be an easy 10 points and good win at last against what has recently been a bit of a bogey team for us.  A great team performance.

Stoneywood Dyce visit Barnton this weekend which will no doubt prove to be a sterner test for Preston and the boys.