The East Kilbride 1st X1 recorded a convincing win against Helensburgh at Torrance House on Saturday. After winning the toss East Kilbride elected to bat on a fine day. As usual this season a fast bouncy pitch had been produced by the grounds man, which encourages attacking cricket. The opening pair got the innings of to a fast start, scoring at 5 an over, before the first wicket fell, to a catch at mid off. This set the pattern for the rest of the innings, with runs coming quickly, and wickets falling frequently. Joel Richardson scored 40 as he continued his recent run of good scores. Captain Umair Saeed, looked in form with the bat , in completing his 50. At this point it looked like the frequent loss of wickets was going to be a problem for East Kilbride with the score at 202-8. The game was in the balance. Young Andrew Kampman arrived at the crease and started with some solid defensive work to help his captain build the score. As the partnership flourished, Saeed produced shots all around the wicket, on his way to a scintillating 118 not out, and Kampman played some lovely strokes to finish on 31 not out. The partnership contributing 98 runs in 12 overs to take the final score to 300-8.
In reply Helensburgh were in trouble as they lost a wicket with the first ball. East Kilbride attacked, with Stewart Kampman bowling aggressively down the hill to rip out the heart of the Helensburgh batting. Kampman finished with 4 wickets and he was supported by Tom Richards in the new ball stint with 2 wickets. A counter attack from the Helensburgh captain who batted well for his 37 not out , was not enough as they were bowled out for 112, with Umair Saeed taking the final wicket, to complete a good day for the East Kilbride captain. The 10 win points keeps the team in contention at the top end of the league. Next week the team travel to Paisley to take on Meikleriggs, knowing they will need to improve the top order batting if they are to be successful.