Report by G. Anderson

On Saturday, Clackmannan County Cricket Club first eleven played host to the Grange fourth eleven at the Arns. With the rain earlier in the week, the game was played on the artificial wicket.  The second eleven were less fortunate, the rain over the past week at the Meadows in Edinburgh having prevented their game against Morton going ahead.  However with the seconds game cancelled there was a good crowd at the ground to cheer the team on.  The crowd were not to be disappointed with the warm, dry; weather which lasted throughout the match.   Excellent conditions at last for our summer sport.
The Grange side had some problems getting a full team together, and had left Edinburgh late. As a result they were late at arriving in Alloa, and had to forfeit the toss as a result.
With the return of Ash Rasul and Greg Jones the Clackmannan batting line up was very strong and Captain Graeme Anderson had no hesitation in deciding to bat first.
Slightly later than normal, openers Gordon Oliver and Greg Jones headed out to bat, and got off to a flying start. Scoring at almost a run a ball until Oliver (19) was adjudged LBW, with the score on 59 after only 9 overs.
Oliver’s removal brought Craig Black to the crease, and he and Jones seemed untroubled by the oppositions bowling. They kept the run rate up with some superb shots all around the ground, which kept the crowd thoroughly entertained.
Sadly Jones departed in the 16th over, with the score on 115, having made an impressive half-century. This brought the skipper in to bat, who along with Black continued the good work that the opening pair had begun.  Black soon brought up his 4th half century of the season, and was pushing towards a hundred, when he was out LBW for 72, having shared a partnership of 123 with Anderson.   The score had moved on to 238 for 3 after only 33 over’s.  Ash Rasul then joined the party and had just got his eye in as Anderson brought his half-century up. These two continued to pick off the Grange bowlers, and cash in on any bad deliveries.
As the end of the innings drew near, Rasul, who by now was firing the ball to all corners of the ground, brought up his half century, the strike passed to Anderson who was nearing his hundred. Finally on the second ball of the last over, he managed to hit a single and bring up the 3 figures. For his first ever hundred, and the first hundred scored by a Clackmannan batsmen this season. A fine measured innings of which Greame Anderson can be justly proud.
On the second last ball of the innings, Rasul (55) was bowled having put on a 146 run partnership with Anderson. Ken Hutchison them came out to bat, freed up his arms, and promptly cleared the ropes, for a maximum six runs, on the only ball he faced.
Clackmannan finished on 390 for 4 wickets, which included a massive 88 extras. After a fine tea the wee county men took to the field looking to take the attack to the opposition.
Matthew Booth and Craig Black put the Grange batsmen under pressure forcing them to play and miss a few times. In the fourth over, as the Grange openers pushed for a second, Jones fired the ball in from the deep, and the batsman had to dive for the line. Unfortunately he landed awkwardly, and it quickly became clear that he was badly injured. The players were quick to act, keeping the batsman warm and comfortable until the ambulance arrived. The injured player was then taken to hospital in Stirling.  Given the circumstances the Grange players decided to concede the game.
It was a very sombre way for the game to end, all the members of Clackmannan County wish the batsman well, and hope that he has a speedy recovery.  Latest information is that the injured batsman is home, is recovering well and that he thanks everyone for their care and concern.
For Clackmannan, a good performance with the bat, with the hope of more to come.  The firsts are now back at the top of the league, since the other league challengers’ games were called off as a result of the weather and pitch conditions. However, it is not all plain sailing, since these clubs have played fewer games, their percentage totals can increase more  quickly than the county's allowing them to leapfrog Clackmannan at the top of the table should we slip up. But fingers crossed, if the team can keep up this run of form, the rewards are there at the end of the season.  This Saturday’s game is against Watsonians 3 at Myreside in Edinburgh.