Scorecard

Match Report As a follow up from the real one day game against Desert Club of India the captains agreed to playt a twenty20 game. Actually due to the lack of time it was 16 overs each not 20. This format reduces the time the batsmen have to reach the crease, gives each bowler a maximum of 4 overs and includes other little dinks to make the game more exciting for the spectators. The addition of canned music (obviously not to everyone's taste!!) at the fall of wickets and boundary hits was also added to give extra spice, as in the televised game.The Clackmannan select batted first, using the time honoured strategy of giving those who did not get a bat last time first chance. Glen Rodgers and Matt Friedlander set about the bowling in true twenty20 fashion. Glen(9) played a supporting role to Matts boundary hitting, a quick fire 46 including four 4's and a six. While Matt was busy entertaining the crowd at one end, at the other end, it was more like something from a wild life park as Messers Oliver, Moran and Rasul all contrived to impersonate ducks. A quick fire cameo innings by Jan Stadler came to the rescue of the team. His score, a rapid 47, including two 4's and four sixes. The full flock of ducks was then made up by Messers Janeuch and Jones (sounds like a company of solicitors). They were all able to have a quack about it in the bar later. Gracie entered stage left, and hit most of his 19 runs off just one over, including a blazing six onto the railway. Time ran out on Graham and Kruger Van Wyk(4) with Saj Ali waiting in the wings, in an unaccustomed No. 11 position. Best of the bowlers K S Rana 2 for 29 off 4, Siddharth 2 for 23 off 4 and S Joshi 2 for 2 off 1. Altaf Merchant had 2 for 7 before getting on the wrong side of Graham Grace's onslaught and finishing with 2 for 26 off 2. Desert Club batted with more purpose in the second innings keeping the score turning over despite some quick and accurate bowling from the Alloa side. Sandeep Ranna starred with the bat, only failing to make his half century by one run. Good support from Rajiv Khanna(24), Altaf Merchant(19) and Sunhil Joshi(14) allowed Desert to reach within striking distance of the home sides score. The Indian innings finished at 121 for 9, an exiting conclusion to the game. Best of the bowlers for the Clackmannan Select, Glen Rodgers with 5 for 28 off 4 and Sajid Ali 2 for 18 off 4. An interesting days cricket and a Clackmannan Select who would give many national league sides a good run for their money. The ground fielding and throwing was immense an excellent demonstration of how it should be done for all the watching junior players.