Scorecard

Arbroath v Forfarshire Cricket Club Forthill on Sat 08 Jul 2006 at 1pm
Forfarshire Cricket Club Won 10 wickets

Match report After possibly the most timely and well organised departure of a Forthill XI to date, inspirational 'stand-in' skipper for the day: Bryce, knew that this was going to be his teams day, but he knew he would have to make some important yet unpopular decisions. The team arrived at Lochlands Park with a good hour to focus and warm up for what had been built up to be the game that defines Forthill XI's season.

Despite losing the toss, Bryce was never in doubt that he wanted to field first on what appeared to be an absolute road of a wicket. Credit must be given to Bryce - as he knew he had to 'psych-up' his front line attack to extract everything possible from the concrete highway. Sammy T started things off well with a maiden, and this was followed a few overs later by James, albeit he was at the warm up, probably needed a few match conditions overs to hit his straps. Once did he was unstoppable - not even young James (getting injured on the side lines, or jumping all over his dad's Saab roof, shooting all the menacing Arbroath supporters with his sawn-off shot gun) could prevent a magnificent spell of left arm seamers. Ted backed James up at the other end with some really deft and tricky off-spinners (yes they did turn!)

The youngsters at this stage were in awe and were receiving a master class in bowling, and were just required to hold their catches as the balls were flayed all over the park. The crowd (building up at this stage) were now silent (also thanks to young James!) and could believe their eyes for what was about unfold. It must be said the old adage : ''catches win matches'' and thank goodness Lindsey Garden (1st, 2nd and also 3rd slip specialist) paid heed to this. Fifth time round at regulation 1 & 3 quarter slip, just as about Ted was starting to have a 'Graeme Garden/ Coronary' as he was about to witness yet another edge pass between slip and keeper; but with the reflexes of a cat and movement a ninja, Buttsie managed to kick the ball up as he went the other way, catch it and claim the arsiest of catches most will ever see! So as these sprightly stalwarts picked up 3 wickets each, they must have been heart-broken not to have been included in the Forfarshire Scottish Cup team the following day.

John Broon (fast and direct) and Danny (the new 6 foot 2, wiry spinning sensation) wrapped up the tail - again with very impressive efforts from both, and an awesome display behind the stumps by Neily. The question was could Forthill hold their wits and chase a small 123 total, on what was becoming an absolute beast of a turning and indifferent wicket.

Arbroath had a desperate attempt to thwart the Dundee team at tea break with a phenomenal spread, which was argued by the juniors : ''One of the top 3 lunches in Scotland'', only to be put in their place by Ted who was livid, and said : ''That unless there was steak pies on offer, this could never enter in to the top 5 lunch spot!''

Bryce entered the frame again, with some astute decision making; deciding to send in a young ''master-blaster'' pinch hitter, ahead of some very experienced campaigners. This was a hard decision to make as Bryce had a wealth of batting experts chomping at the bit especially Ted and his new bat , so it must have been a real gut wrenching decision to bat ex-Forfarshire now marathon runner Tony at 9. However his decision paid dividends as the total was effortlessly passed with ease with a incredible batting display of pinch hitting by young Wallace (61 n.o) and was well backed up by the 'Boycott-like' Broon (53no).

Bryce finished the day with a closing speech: ''A fine team effort, well done to all who contributed with ball and bat, and especially the DFA's who were able to provide lifts for the rest of the team!"

Forfarshire Cricket Club Forthill Batting
Player Name RunsMB4s6sSRCtStRo
extras
TOTAL :
 
for 0 wickets
0
125
(0.0 overs)		    
John Brown Not Out  53
Craig Wallace Not Out  61 1
Neil Martin   2
Lindsay Garden   1
Danny Lamb   1
John Findlay  
Lindsay Garden  
Sam Tilston  
Danny Lamb  
Gordon Walker  
James Girolami  

Arbroath Bowling

Player nameOversMaidensRunsWicketsAverageEconomy
No records to display.

Arbroath Batting
Player name Runs
extras
TOTAL :
 
for 10 wickets
0
123 (0.0 overs)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Forfarshire Cricket Club Forthill Bowling

Player NameOversMaidensRunsWicketsAverageEconomy
Sam Tilston9.0236136.004.00
James Girolami9.012438.002.67
Gordon Walker9.032638.672.89
John Brown6.5223123.003.37
Danny Lamb3.001226.004.00

  • Umpire :
  • Scorer :
    Brian Dunleavy