St Boswells getting used to the home life despite defeat

Saturday past against Edinburgh visitors Marchmont witnessed St Boswells’ third home ESCA Division Three cricket league game in a row.
St Boswells suffered another defeat but stay at home this weekend for a local derby against Melrose.St Boswells suffered another defeat but stay at home this weekend for a local derby against Melrose.
St Boswells suffered another defeat but stay at home this weekend for a local derby against Melrose.

Unlike the other two weeks, reports Rich Young, the recent lovely weather and ground staff effort had produced a cracking wicket. Winning the toss, Marchmont elected to bat.

A combination of fine stroke play by G. Thomson and H. Ramachandra, a hard outfield (for once) which gave value for runs, and too many bad balls, got the visitors off to a flyer, smashing their way to 95 for 0 after 15 overs.

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White (1-32) had Thomson caught by Broom on the boundary for 56 runs and, when Eager was out lbw for a duck, the rate dropped down as Marchmont consolidated.

Steven Laidlaw’s spin (2-39) picked up a couple but progress was steady, with Marchmont ending on 225 for 6.

In reply, S. Clayton opened with a great spell. In this league, being able to see off the opening bowlers often brings reward in bad balls (and runs).

The Saints failed in this task as Clayton (3 for 5) took out the first three home batsman (St Boswells 25-3).

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Ross Graham (18 runs) with a batting strike rate of 200, played some lovely shots in a partnership with Young and entertained those watching, before unluckily playing on to Granger.

The latter was caught in the covers for 21, with St Boswells 64 for 5 off 20 overs. With 225 not possible, batting points was the next best thing.

Notable performances from Tony Galvin, Rob Needham and Kathryn White nudged the score over the century to finish 102 all out. Credit went to spinner Ahmed who bowled a tight line, rolling back the years to end with 3 for 5.

So, one win and two losses so far this season is not brilliant. But, with a local derby against Melrose (at home again) and some hope of the injury list lessening, the Saints look forward to a reunion of old foes this Saturday.