EK OUT OF THE SCOTTISH CUP
East Kilbride had the tough assignment of playing Ayr in opening round of the prestige Scottish Cup. Cricket Scotland even declared on their website that it was the game of the opening round to look out for!

The day however started on a sad note. The players and spectators were informed that Brian Reid, an umpire, died suddenly in his sleep on the 13th of May. Reid umpired his last game for East Kilbride at Torrance House on Wednesday evening. The news was a shock for all and a minute of silence was held to pay respect to Mr Reid and his family.

With all formalities sorted. All attention was shifted towards the cricket.

East Kilbride captain, Joshua Johnston, won the toss and did not hesitate once to bat first. As Ayr cricket ground is regarded by many as the best batting pitch in Scotland and Sunday’s wicket was looked like a typical Ayr wicket.

East Kilbride opener, Craig Smith, got his team off to a flying start. As he was ruthless on any ball that was too short or full. As he played some spectacular drives and pull shots. He was well supported by his fellow opener, Alistair Dalgliesh, who had a tough start to his innings but stuck to his game plan and allowed Smith to take on the role of the aggressor. Unfortunately Smith and Dalgliesh got mixed up in a run and Smith lost his wicket via a run out. Which was very unfortunate not only for EK but also for Smith who looked set for a big score. Nevertheless Smith departed for a well played 35 and gave EK a solid start, 43 for 1 after 8 overs.

Saiff Sajjad joined Dalgliesh at the crease.The pair batted beautifully and used the platform that Smith created to great effect. As both batsmen rotated the strike and punished the bad balls with boundaries. A magnificent 100 run partnership between Sajjad and Dalgliesh came from their intelligent batting. But Dalgliesh lost his wicket as the century stand came about; he looked to increase the run rate but skewed one to cover. Dalgliesh caught at cover for 42. That left EK at 143-2 with 20 overs to go and in a very commanding position to post a 300+ score.

However a mini collapse occurred for EK as they lost 4 wickets for only 45 runs. All four of the wickets however were unfortunate. Sajjad was run out for 58 runs for an unnecessary run. Jack Clark and Stewart Kampman lost both their wickets in the same over. But it must be said that both of their decisions could have gone EK’s way and that would definitely have prevented the collapse. Petrus Coetzee wicket concluded the 4 wicket collapse and his wicket was the softest of them all. As he was stumped off what should have been a normal dot delivery.

Umair Saeed and Joshua Johnston had a good 46 run partnership to give EK some hope of a half decent score. As Saeed smashed some big sixes over cow and showcased his trademark wrists.

In the 50 overs that was played. East Kilbride managed to score an under par 252- 9. The team knew from the start that they were about 30 runs short and that only a huge effort in the second innings would see EK pull this one through.

After tea the second innings presumed and out came the danger men for Ayr, Mike Papps and Neill Smith. Papps is a current first-class player in New Zealand, where he plays for the Wellington Firebirds, and also an ex-international player for New Zealand. Neill Smith is the current opening batsmen for the Western Warriors, the representative team for the West of Scotland. The team knew from the start that they were about 30 runs short and that only a huge effort in the second innings would see EK pull this one through.

And EK had an absolute dream start. Ziggy Ahmed trapped Smith in the very first over for 0 runs. The big fish however, Papps, was still at the crease and he was key for both teams. Unfortunately from an EK point of view. Papps played a masterful innings and showcased all of his experience as he scored a mammoth 147 runs not out. Andy McElnea contributed 56 runs with the bat and supported Papps in the quest for 252 runs. In the end Ayr chased 253 runs for only the loss of 3 wickets.

As expected EK were about 30-50 runs short in setting a target for Ayr. Disappointed loomed large in the dressing room however the team I think can take some heart from the fact it took a special innings to beat us and also that it isnt going to be often youll post 250 and lose.