GARGOYLES WILT IN HEAT OF SUB-CONTINENT

The diamond jubilee celebrations flowed on to the cricket field on Monday, when Alstonefield Cricket Club  fittingly fielded a team with an average age of 60 against a touring Indian Exiles XI, all fresh from university. The real disparity was not age however, but the sheer gulf in cricketing class. Batting first, the Exiles raced to 80 for 1 off only 10 overs. Will Siddons ( 1 for 26 off 5 overs)and Ian McKay ( 1 for 19 off 7 overs) then managed to restore some order, but the runs flowed even more profusely in the Exiles last 10 overs, as they amassed a record 250 for 9 from their 35 overs. All the Exiles batsmen looked confident with the willow, but of particular note was Amit who compiled an exquisite 88 not out, a record score on this ground. For the Gargoyles, there was a notable debut for Harry Jones who refused to be knocked off his length and took 4 for 64 from his 7 overs.

In response, the Gargoyles needed a lightning start. It didn’t happen. After 10 overs, 38 for 2 was less than half the asking rate.

Will Siddons started to show his potential with a mature knock of 29 and Dave Singleton looked in prime form with some powerful straight drives before being run out for 22. With the required run rate well into double figures, wickets fell rapidly, as batsmen sought the glory of the big hit. 122 all out and defeat by 128 runs.

In spite of a record margin of defeat, this was a wonderful afternoon’s cricket, played in the right spirit, against the most courteous opponents. And after a seven week rain  interruption it was good to start the season again.