By Scott Malcolmson

On Sunday Clackmannan traveled through the rain to sunny Charlestown to face Broomhall in the hope of another victory in the quest for the title. The day started well with Clackmannan winning the toss and electing to field.  It didn’t take long for Clackmannan to strike with Paddy Mitchell and Neil Ramsay taking an early wicket each caught by Noor Jhangir and Greig Taylor respectively. After a short rain break after Ness and Hermiston attacked the Clackmannan bowlers hitting boundaries with regularity.  Blair Campbell who replaced Ramsay took 2 wickets in his 2nd over to put Clackmannan in the driving seat and this was compounded when Nick Bryant-Nichols removed the dangerous Hermiston bowled for a quick fore 17. Bryant-Nichols struck again 4 overs later for his 2nd wicket. Jhangir replaced the impressive Campbell and in his second over got his first wicket after a good catch by Passe in the deep.  Scott Malcolmson brought himself on and in his first over some good fielding led to Breen being run out for 12. Jhangir changed ends and in his next over got his 2nd wicket of the day to leave the hosts in dire straits o 92 for 9. Malcolmson in his second over after being dispatched to the boundary got his first wicket after a fine diving catch by Alamgir. This left Broomhall all out for 97.   After a nice tea and the rain looking away for the day Clackmannan opened their innings with a bang. The first ball went for 4 wides and the second ball was a no ball, which Hutchison dispatched to the boundary for 4. Which left Clackmannan on 10 and still 6 balls to come. Ken Hutchison and Dan Smith pushed the score along until Smith was out bowled for 12. Neil Ramsay was next in and next out run out for 3. Rich Passe joined Hutchison but didn’t last long as he knicked one off the bowling of Breen to the wicketkeeper.
Now it was time for the fireworks as the big hitting Auranzeb Alamgir strolled to the crease. After a few balls to get his eye in Alamgir hit 2 massive sixes the first over square leg and the second his trademark back over the bowler’s head. Alamgir was out caught behind for quick 17 off 14 balls.
Hutchison was steering Clackmannan to victory when Nick Bryant-Nichols joined the party and after hitting Breen for 6 hit the winning runs with a four for 10 not out off 5 balls.
This was a comprehensive victory for Clackmannan who keep the pressure on league leaders RHC. Youngster Campbell impressed with the ball 4 overs 2 wickets for 3 runs and Hutchison 36 not out led Clackmmanan to victory. Next Saturday Clackmannan are home against Carlton 4th XI.