Selkirk beat OCCC IV by 132 runs
EAST LEAGUE DIVISION SIX
THE 132-run final margin of Selkirk’s victory over Old Contemptibles was calculated by the league’s version of the Duckworth Lewis method for deciding rain-affected matches – but with the visitors 67/8 in reply to Selkirk’s 226/6 there was no doubting which side had the upper hand, writes Alex Massie.
The Souters’ supremacy was built upon a fine and perhaps overdue century from skipper John Everitt. He hit seven fours – the Philiphaugh outfield remaining on the slow side of pedestrian – and a brace of sixes, one of which clattered into the wall at the Ettrickhaugh Road end.
Selkirk’s skipper has suppressed some of his attacking instincts this season, a little less Michael Vaughan and a little more Geoffrey Boycott. This modified approach has paid off handsomely, producing scores of 17 not out, 52, 24 not out, 46 and then, on Saturday, this splendid 104.
Everitt’s discipline was needed too, since, with Greg Fenton and Rory Banks falling cheaply, there was potential for the home side to be embarrassed by their visitors from Edinburgh. Michael Fenton helped steady the ship, however, and Kenny Paterson and Jordan Reid each also offered Everrit excellent support.
After tea, Selkirk knew that the forecast was gloomy and that they needed to bowl a minimum of 20 overs to ensure a result could be calculated.
The last four overs were played in appalling conditions as Selkirk strove for the final two wickets. Mason and Caldwell defended gallantly, however, and soon it became apparent that no more play would be possible. By then, however, Selkirk were far enough ahead to earn a convincing, if rain-affected victory.
Selkirk
J. Everitt, b Hinstridge 104
G. Fenton, b Lomax 6
R. Banks, b Mason 10
M. Fenton, c Tocher b Caldwell 31
D. Fenton, c & b Caldwell 6
K. Paterson, b Caldwell 16
J. Reid, not out 30
T. Penman, not out 3
Extras 20
Total for 6 226
OCCC
A. Watson, c Gentleman b Paterson 4
L. Charlwood, c Paterson b Fenton 10
M. Joiner, b Paterson 24
V. Mohanan, c Banks b G. Fenton 4
T. Murdoch, c Banks b G. Fenton 2
A. Tocher, b M. Fenton 0
A. Hinstridge, b G. Fenton 1
D. Mason, not out 6
P. Sewell, b M. Fenton 0
J. Caldwell, not out 9
Extras 7
Total for 8 67