Galloway 2XI v Anniesland (04/06/22) scorecard

After an awfully early start and very long drive through beautiful and extremely remote parts of Galloway courtesy Suraj Sat nav we arrived at one of the most beautiful grounds in Scotland in fine weather

QQ lost the toss and we were asked to bat.

Opening bowlers were good a very decent medium quick and an in dipping swing bowler.

Things didn’t go according to plan when Crawford drove at a ball that bounced way too much (astro pitch) and was caught behind.

Ed and QQ knuckled down and tried to take the shine off the new ball which was swinging and having accomplished that and even hit a lovely cover drive on the floor Ed did what Ed does chased a wide one and was caught brilliantly at deep backward point.

Galloway side even mix of youth and “experience” turned the screw and pinned down QQ and Mustapha for several overs but approaching drinks Mustapha accelerated giving a glimpse of what was to come.

72-2

After drinks both players accelerated before QQ was pinned LBW bang in front sweeping. The very tight bowling of Howie  was hard to hit and he snapped Suraj cheap at gully. The Galloway skipper shared the bowling in spirit of Div 4 cricket this did afford a few easier runs for Mustapha and Ramsay but the opening bowlers returned well but Mustapha marched on and got to his maiden 50 Ramsay caught well in the deep.

Aaron tried to increase the scoring and fell to another great catch.

Then Dilawar run out without scoring.

150 looked a stretch but then Billal came to crease and attacked with power and flair. Runs started to flow and Mustapha was now scoring freely to all corners using his feet running hard and timing it like a Rolex.

With three overs to go he was on 77 so decision taken to tell him.

Man likes a challenge and his eyes lit up.

Not only did he get there, but he did in style with a hard run 3 off the final ball taking him to a maiden 100!!!

Remarkable.

Tea was served and it was the best tea we’ve seen and such a treat.

Mikael and Billal opened the bowling and with some great accuracy and soon 3 wkts all bowled. Debutant Sohrab came on and bowled fast and accurately. Billal picked up another superb catch by Sohrab then rested and Aaron was on.

Aaron picked up great wicket with a top catch in the deep by Ramsay.

In spirit of rotation Crawford was given an over and their key bat on the day was unlucky to hit a pretty average ball to square leg where Dilawar took an amazing diving forward catch millimetres from the turf. Then jumped into Ed's arms as they planned for next season of Strictly! Jaw dropping!

Aaron unlucky twice as simple catch went down at slip before a player was caught well (Dilwar again) but QQ recalled the batsman as were all felt it was a no ball on height. Cricket values!

Dilwar came on bowling leg spin and after a couple of nervous ones landed a peach for lbw!

Galloway continued to show dogged fight but Billal returned and picked up 3 more to end with 6-17.

All in all a great day of cricket played in perfect spirit with great fun and chat between the sides.

MOTM: Mustapha Fahd
Special mention: Billal Zazai

Champagne moment: Dilwar catch and subsequent leap into Ed’s arms - no one puts Dilwar in the corner!