Match Report

CCCC 1st XI v Dundee University at the Arns

Clackmannan won the toss and put their opponents into bat, and backed this up with a superb opening display from Matthew Booth and Will Kay. With tight bowling they were able to restrict Dundee University to 14 from the first 10 overs, before both openers fell in quick succession. Dundee uni’s 3 and 4 were then able to capitalise on some wayward bowling, as Clackmannan’s bowlers struggled to get into rhythm. Accompanied by some mistakes in the field the run rate pushed on, before Graeme Anderson came on and tightened things up, taking 5 for 25 in 7 overs. Dundee finished on 195 for 9 wickets. In response Clackmannan made a slow start, Alan Oliver was run out off of a dropped catch, and Scott Malcolmson departed a few overs later, given LBW without troubling the scorers. The run rate then increased when Anderson joined Gordon Oliver at the crease, with both men playing impeccable cricket, until Anderson was run out backing up at the non strikers end. Surely the cruellest way to lose your wicket. Oliver went on to play a superb innings, which was chanceless, well supported by the middle order. Finishing on 95 not out and seeing the team home with wickets to spare. Clackmannan win by 4 wkts. Plenty of positives and feedback can be taken from this game. The fielding does need improving, although the bumpy Arns outfield doesn’t always help. However, unlike last season the county men were able to come out on top in a close run chase, and able to chase down a score of around the 200 mark