Lost by One Wicket
Sundays’ game against Skye and Loch Alsh provided a worthy exciting end to the 2022 season. Skye survived a trouncing only because two retired batsmen were able to return to the middle.
Under cloudy skies, Fort Augustus lost two early wickets, but man of the match Dave, with assistance from Jim (and Mayank (15)), took the score beyond 50 before Os (10) helped Dave continue on his way until having to retire. In the middle of the innings, Nilesh strode out to the wicket to join Osh (11) and they pushed the score along before Nilesh (29) fell in typical attacking fashion. A flurry of late wickets brought Dave back to the wicket and he continued his impressive late season form by reaching his 50 as the innings closed on 167.
In response, the dangerous Angus Robbins (9) fell early, but that brought the impressive ex Freuchie player Duncan to the middle, and then together with Bloomfield, they hurried the score on to 80 before Duncan retired unbeaten on 35. After Bloomfield also retired for 35, only Curtis (19) troubled the scorers as the bowling highlight of the day unfolded. A hat trick for Dave as Mayank stumped Bold first, Os caught McLean close in, and young Robbins fell lbw to complete the three in three. Ashan took two late wickets, including another stumping for Mayank, and left Skye on 120, but with the two retirees to come back in. They battered Skye back into a winning position before Duncan fell for 54. As FA had fielded an extra player, Skye were able to bring Robbins senior back in, and he helped Bloomfield reach the winning target with just two balls to spare. The two retirees were the big difference.
Fort Augustus highlights:-
Batting
Dave 50 not out
Nilesh 29
Jim 17
Mayank 15
Bowling
Dave 3-17
Ewan 2-11
Abbas 2-15
Mayank 2 stumpings
It’s a struggle to find a man of the match, I suppose Dave will have to do!
So, our first senior league season is over. Early season promise gave way to a late run of defeats, and I can think of at least a couple of losses that should have been victories. NC at the Abbey immediately springs to mind. But, by and large we have been competitive, and everyone has contributed. A bit more patience and consistency, combined with cutting down on the extras, could lead to a greater measure of success in future. We are certainly capable of it.
Finally, once again, we thank Mark and his boys who have presented the pitch in immaculate condition for every game. We couldn’t do it without them, and we as a club are continually grateful for all the work they put in each and every week.
Fort Augustus Cricket Club 