The first XI took on premier league opposition in a pre season friendly at Titwood. On a cold afternoon, when the sun tried its best, but ultimately gave up on giving out any heat, Clydesdale batted first. The skipper claimed they won the toss, and after 8 overs it was obvious why they batted. Kampers over pitched a few times and was drilled through the covers, and they rattled up 60 in no time. Tom Tom plugged away outside off stump , and was difficult to get away once Martin got up to the sticks. He got a good wicket, and after the skipper chipped in with one , we started to peg them back with Shiraz and Ross bowling some slow stuff. They picked up a wicket apiece, before Jonathan came on to bowl the death overs. He bowled well , picking up some wickets, but a few lusty blows took the home team to a respectable 215. A decent fielding performance, which was tidy, but just lacking in that extra bit of spark which may have kept them to 190.
After tea, Joel went cheaply , as the opening bowlers bowled impressive spells. Manny started to build an innings, developing a partnership with the lad from New Zealand, straight of the plane, and we got back on track. Both of them getting into the 30s , before getting out. Then we got squeezed by the slow stuff. A dose of our own medicine. Every one chipping in , but no one , going on to play the match winning innings. All out 187. A few more singles off the slow bowlers, and no one getting to 50, seeing us fall just short.
A good outing, and a welcome to Peter, Ross, Harminjat, Jonathan and Martin, who all showed they could play.
Despite the loss, it was a promising start. Lots of lads who can bat and bowl, and one who can keep wicket. The selection committee and captain appear to have a challenge this year, as the match demonstrated we have some cricketers.
Fines will be added to the forum, If you dont know the rules, tough, you will find out soon enough.
Next week first league game away at RH Corstorphine. Never played there before, so if you need directions, ask the skipper. He works in Edinburgh, and will be taking Friday afternoon off to take an early look at the pitch and assess the travel situation.