Anniesland v Bees (20/08/22) scorecard

The day started as the 2s skipper was awoken with the news that game was a potential call off. However, Anniesland was blessed with blue skies and wind to dry the square and a pitch inspection from Ed (always contributing even when not playing) gave hope. After further inspections and some negotiating the square was deemed playable for a 1pm start.

The skipper won the toss and choose to bat first, it was also at this time it was agreed that 32 overs would be played aside in accordance to league rules.

The innings started with the classic 2s opening pair of QQ and Crawf, the innings started with intent with each opener hitting a 6 within the first 4 and a window being broken. The opening partnership was broken after a stand of 30 odd as crawf (15) was caught by surprise with one bouncing and he spooned it straight to the keeper. The same bowler struck again in his next over where Mustafa was bowled without troubling the scorers from a full and swinging ball. QQ and Ritvik rebuilt with some hard hits and good running before Ritvik was caught off the legspinner at deep square for 12. QQ departed for 27 shortly after when he got a leading edge trying to work one to legside (usual) and was caught and bowled. A couple balls later Callum was bowled by a good yorker.

At drinks (16) the 2s sat on 77-5 after losing 3 wickets in the space of few balls. Ethan and Ian (coming in at 7 after passing a late fitness test) looked to rebuild, however Ethan was bowled after playing a rank pull shot. Rory came to the crease and together with Ian looked to rebuild. However, Ian was fired lbw after charging down the track and middling one into his bad, mustafa was quick to raise the finger (clearly been taught to umpire by sunil), thankfully though the bees skipper withdrew the appeal. Ian and Rory put on a considerable stand, with some questionable running and good stroke play. Ian hit a monstrous straight back six over cow and was caught a few overs later in the same area for 36 as he looked to increase the scoring in the last few overs. With 3 overs to go Rory was sitting on 32 and when he was told he needed 18 more the look in his eyes changed as he chased his maiden senior fifty. Akshat played some nice shots and rotated strike well until he was run out last over trying to put Rory on strike. Rory got to his 50 with 2 balls to remain with a straight drive. The 2s finished on 179 off 32 overs, a great score on what at this time of year is more a rugby outfield.

The bowling innings started well with Akshat clean bowling the opener in the 4th,

Mikaeel struck in the 7th after Alex "Buckets" Ballingal took a good catch at mid on to remove the other opener. Akshat bowled the number 4 the next over with a great outswinger (left hander). Another wicket fell the next over with Mikaeel clean bowling the number 5 after he went for a big drive. Mikaeel claimed his third when the number 6 chipped one to mid on. At this stage Bees were 22-5 and all hopes of a win for them had been buried by good accies bowling. Their skipper came in at number 7 and blocked well with great support from Ibrahim (young left hander) who looked solid in defence, this partnership would continue until the 28th over where Ethan bowled the young batsman. Mikaeel came back in the hope of doing something special and got the number 8 lbw, however, it was too late as accies were left needing 3 wickets from 2 balls. Mikaeel finished with 4 wickets from 17 runs from his 8 overs (taking him 1 away for equalling highest 2s wicket taker this season). Akshat also claimed 2 wickets for 9 runs from his 6 overs.

Overall, a great effort and a dominant performance with the ball which never gave bees a chance of getting into the game.

Motm- Rory 50*

Champagne moment- Rory getting to 50 with 2 balls to go