|
Alan lost the toss but would have batted first anyway against Blue Flames at Percy Main. Rain was threatened but did not influence the agreed 12 overs thrash on a gloomy night!
Richie Straughan and Davo opened against the familiar attack of Keith Brown and Rob Walker. The rate was up wih ten an over when Davo was caught at deep mid off for 23 off 16 balls in Andy Horner's first over. Five well struck fours signalled Rowland's intent with Richie going well. The next partnership with new boy Joe Ashdown was something special! The pair clicked very well at this first meeting and all possible runs were taken as the score mounted. Richie was bowled by the returning Walker after all bowlers had been punished. He scored 45 off 36 balls with 5 fours and that was 123-2 in the 11th over. Joe was joined by pal Mike Phillips who scored a single a ball off 3. Man of the match Joe was certainly an instant hit with 90 not out off 41 balls, including 8 huge sixes and 3 fours with three lost balls still heading out with the tide! 169-2 was a huge ask for the Flames.
Pratty and Josh Koen started well with Alan looking for some economical opening overs to secure the win and setting an appropriate field. In his first over, Pratty bowled opener S Burkall with the score on 6 and Josh bowled to instructions with only 4 coming off his first over. Pratty excelled with a wicket next ball, Josh catching Rob Walker overhead off a skyer to the covers. It got even better when Pratty bowled Keith Brown, still only in the third over and Flames were doused at 14-3! Meanwhile Don bought the wicket of top scorer Andy Wilson (24) after he hit a six and then a 4 under Richie's rolling body. Josh then manufactured a smart run out of J Marshall and had Horner caught at the second opportunity by Davo. Then Ian Younger joined in, bowling Bell. Josh bowled one and had Mike Steven take a splendid overhead catch running back. All that was left of the Flames ended when a simple run out by Joe saw the last man out with Simon Taylor desperate for the strike to protect him. Flames scored 72 in their 10 overs with only 2 leg byes past Mike. Bowling stats: Pratty 3-0-17-3, Josh 3-0-11-3, Don 2-0-22-1, Ian 2-0-20-1.
Bring on the Kirkwood stars at the Main on Monday and then we travel to Seaton Burn for the finale on Wednesday. A good season already for Rowlands: Won 8, lost 3, tied 1 and the title a possibility!
|
