Nothing can stop Anniesland, at present not even the weather.
Finding a pocket of sun (in the main part) an enthralling game unfolded at New Anniesland.
Bowling first Accies had Akshat and Rory putting in a great shift against two very handy opening bats - one of whom definitely used to a higher level was class.
Disappointing then when he survived an LBW and went grazing a la DeGrandholme. Mike ran him out by miles but not out the call. A caught behind and LBW shout also didn’t cause a tremor in the umpire and so on we go.
Akshat produced a gem to york the other opener and now we set aggressive fields. 2 slips 2 gully fly slip and leg slip. Yaaasss…
Soon bowling change and Nelson and Sid came and continued the dot ball pressure then wickets flowed. Bowled Sid. Bowled Nelson, caught by safe hands QQ at Mid Off of Sid and then RAIN!
Moving like a well-oiled machine covers were on and early tea taken.
Straight after the break Nelson knocked over the key man with a beauty and Sid took another. A sub 100 score seemed likely, Even more so when a simple caught and bowled became a a brilliant catch from Mike who ran from silly mid-on to catch it over his shoulder in front of a bemused then delighted Nelson.
Nelson then picked up a fourth caught Jarred.
Rory came back picked up a well-deserved wicket and that 100 seemed a long way off.
Jarred came on and their number 11 turned out to be a tennis pro and absolutely smashed it using all his ground strokes suddenly 110.
Return of the Sid. Pace off the call, Smashed to QQ diving at mid-off parry the ball up and catch the rebound, 110 ALL OUT.
Ed and Mustapha opened the innings, Ed with added pressure of 20 somewhat merry former pupils of a local school now watching as part of their delayed leavers do from 2020. Barmy Army. Every single ball.
Opening bowlers moving it both ways so the lads knuckled down. 10 overs seen off shine gone but then Mustapha caught playing back to first change bowler and bowled.
Ed after all this patience threw the sink at awful wide long hop and should have been caught. Cricket gods decided he need to be out and he received an absolute nut the next over from the excellent Majid who had got Mustapha - pitching middle hitting off as he defended. At least this time not a first baller. Indeed he and Mustapha had done what QQ asked. See off the new ball and set a platform. Done.
QQ started to attack hit hard and the Crawf brought out the BOOM and smashed 4 and 6 in one over.
Unfortunately very decent bowler Majid came round with a tempter and Crawf obliged… bowled.
Suraj in and run rate under pressure. Over rate very slow and QQ frustrated chased a wide one caught point. Mike in and running good singles received a direct throw on the helmet. Next ball maybe rattled chase a wide one caught behind. Jarred came in and never looked settle before he too caught chasing runs as pressure building.
Suraj now joined by Rory and a serenity was felt the birds were quiet, the wind stopped and the game was in the balance but with some serious style and flair the two of them rowed the boat to shore mixing patience, running and some big hitting to great affect and surving a couple close LBW calls too.
A wonderful win, where every player gave it 100%.
Great credit to Renfrew who were good sports, good players and tough opponents. See you later in the season.
MOTM: Hard to say this week Sid, Nelson & Suraj all in with a shout. Let the poll decide!
Champagne Moment: QQ catch after parrying the ball to end a defiant 10th wicket partnership.