Alps v Bute (04/06/16) scorecard

Alps recorded a famously splendid victory over Bute on a gorgeous day at the School Ground. Captain McLaren, with a meaty-looking batting line-up at his disposal won the toss and opted to bat: a wise decision, given the gargantuan run-fest which unfolded in the June sunshine. Two superb centuries were made: opener Fraser Murray provided another masterclass in batting with a flawless 104 (retired), while jeevan Rana, batting at 7, mercilessly flailed the Bute bowlers all round the park for a robust and entertaining 107. With useful contributions from several other batsmen, and a hefty total of 'extras', a mammoth score of 331 for 6 was recorded by Marion, the Bute scorer, after 40 overs.

After tea, the Bute batsmen were determined to make a match of it, and a really compelling contest developed: a most intriguing contest between bat and ball, with lots of grippingly interestingly cricket played. A tremendous spell of bowling from Tom Aston (4 for 47) was the key to our eventual victory; but the bowling was generally very tight indeed. Ed Wallace produced three destructive overs, trapping two Bute batsmen LBW, with figures of 2 for 7. When young Tom took the final wicket the Bute score stood at a healthy 198. Veteran Australian Crump stood firm during most of the innings, and finished with a tremendous score of 69 not-out.

This was a great win for Alps, but was also noted for the superb spirit- with much witty banter- in which the match was played. We look forward to our visit to Bute at the end of June.