Lost by seventy-three runs
Well, the Northern Counties game on Saturday was a really frustrating affair, defeat snatched from the jaws of victory seems quite an apt statement.
We had very welcome visitors, Davy Duncan and his partner Helen watching from the boundary. Davy has been an integral part of both Fort William and Fort Augustus over the past seventeen years, and I’m sure team mates of old will have been delighted to see that beaming smile of his again. Hopefully we’ll see them again soon.
Title favourites Counties got off to a steady enough start, putting on 29 before danger man Alex Green was caught by Anjum off Ronan’s bowling. Ominously the extras total began creeping up though, helping the score along to 56 before Thomas’ dismissal triggered an amazing collapse to 62/6 with superb bowling from Ross (3/20) and Anjum (2/18), before a drinks break broke the momentum. After that, Ford, with stubborn support from Pacey, ground out an unbeaten revival that saw their innings close on 195/6, a total probably 70 more than would have been expected before those drinks.
Fort Augustus’ innings started off in similar fashion, steady going until Nilesh (18) holed out at deep mid off with the score on 32. Then, possibly the decisive moment. Ross and Anjum comfortably moved the total on to 61 before Anjum flicked one to backward square leg. It went like a rocket, but straight into the waiting hands of Impey, catching the ball about an inch above the turf. A yard either side and it would have been a 4. In that instant the game was probably decided. Ross and Charlie staged a mini revival, taking the score to 107 before the latter edged behind and was dismissed for 14 and the score on 107. When Ross (42) was out the innings succumbed quickly to 122 all out.
A tale of ifs, buts and maybes, and a victory margin that certainly flattered the visitors. FA gave them a mighty scare.
Fort Augustus Cricket Club 