Alps v Kirkstyle (14/05/16) scorecard

The Alps' first match may well have ended in defeat, but there was much to be positive about in a battling display in the early-summer warmth of the School Ground. Kirkstyle batted first, and both openers dominated proceedings thereafter; but much fine bowling and fielding efforts were displayed, as each man tried to cover the gaps which are inevitbale in a team of 9. Pick of the bowlers was Manliyan, whose pace kept the Kilmarnock men at bay for long spells; but all bowlers made valiant attempts to stem the flow of Ayrshire run-making. Kirkstyle finished on a meaty total of 269 for 4. Kirkstyle's veteran batsman Coleman made a splendid 101, followed by his equally cultured partner Johnstone, who scored a very fine and swashbuckling 104.

The Alps' reply got off to a somewhat stuttering start, with several early wickets for none-too-many runs. Indeed, with the score at 42 for 6 (25 of which were scored on debut by Manliyan) things looked pretty grim. But a useful partnership developed for the seventh wicket, with returning captain McLaren (26 not out) and Higgins (20), also on debut, putting together 55 welcome runs during 17 fascinating overs. This allowed the Alps team to creak towards the reasonably respectable total of 106 all-out as last man Ferrretti was bowled by Kirkstyle's Johnstone.

In the end a defeat; but much interesting cricket to discuss afterwards, and several promising moments to reflect upon as we face up to Clydesdale 3rd XI on Saturday.