Won by ninety-three runs
On a glorious Saturday, Fort Augustus played Elgin in the Highland Club senior league. The ground was looking perfect and the cricket on show from start to finish was pleasing to the eye for all those who came to spectate.
After winning the toss Kevin O’Meara had no hesitancy opting to bat first in what ended up being the right decision. Normal opener Nilesh Pote was stuck in traffic so a late decision to push Ash Anjum up the order ended up working in FACC’s favour and paid dividends.
Anjum started teeing off from the first ball hitting 6s all around the Abbey. He ended up getting his 50 off about 20 balls but eventually got out playing one big shot too many and ending his innings on 73. His opening partner Ross Lavin also chipped in with a valuable 36.
At drinks FACC were 140 for 3 but shortly after Ross Lavin was out caught behind. Out came out-of-form captain O’Meara to the crease. Nilesh Pote was again in fine fine form and he raced away to a half century and ended up reaching 82 before a suicidal run out which O’Meara held his hands up for the moment of madness. This wasn’t to bother him as in the last 6 overs he rolled back the years hitting 4s and an odd 6 meaning the total reached an impressive 327 off 40 overs. O’Meara ended up 73 not out.
Heading out to bat Elgin started steadily but lost their Captain Scott to a fantastic catch by Oswaldo Crasto off the bowling off Pote. Runs were flowing and this meant a change in the attack was necessary. The league leading wicket taker Charlie Thornton took a valuable wicket of Elgin’s new recruit Smart in his first over, some neat work by keeper James Ryder helping Charlie get his wicket. Some would say that it was a smart move!
Rik Wimble, Elgin’s other opener, scored his half century before falling victim to a clever slower ball by Anjum and caught by the safe hands of Crasto. The game was almost over but fair play to Elgin and especially to young Euan Fairgreave, he played very well in racking up 81 in no time at all supported by his Dad, David, who got 30.
The game ended with Elgin on 234 for 4. A comprehensive win for Fort Augustus by 93 runs which means that FACC are third in the table going into this weekends away match to bottom of the table Nairn
Fort Augustus Cricket Club 