2nd Knightriders vs Methlick 1st X1 11.05.2024
On Saturday Methlick visited Aberdeen Links on a much sunnier day than last week, but once again faced with a poorly cut outfield that was always going to restrict scoring. Nevertheless over 310 runs were scored on a day that Methlick’s dropped catches proved significant in handing victory to Knightriders.
The home team batted first and Methlick opened with Morne Van Heerden, on loan from Ellon. Apart from an opening loosener which was dispatched for four the youngster bowled with great pace. Into the wind Fraser Grant was getting a lot of swing from his accurate spell. Although runs were restricted to 22 from the first 10 overs it took a run-out for the first wicket with Choudry combining with Woodhouse to leave Reddy well short.
Hordley and Moore then provided a challenging back-up to the openers. Wickets would have started to tumble apart from extremely dubious umpiring where batsmen were continually saved by their umpires turning down glaring LBWs. It actually raises the question whether the Grades should do away with LBW as the decisions are spoiling a lot of games.
However, Methlick didn’t help themselves as seven relatively simple catches failed to be taken. Hopefully this can be literally “put down” to early season rustiness.
Van Heerden took his first and then second wicket for Methlick to finish his 7 overs with 2 for 31. Hordley was extremely unlucky to take only one wicket along with Moore and Cordiner as Knightriders ended their innings on 174. Under the circumstances this probably would have been closer to 100 on another day.
In response Methlick was once again let down by the batting and it was only a fine 42 from Mike Hordley that stood out. Captain Smith went cheaply bowled by B. Varghese and Choudry edged behind for 3. Woodhouse looked confident but got a great in-swinger from Varghese for 9. It was only Alan Hill and Van Heerden that provided any extra support to Hordley who was eventually caught on 42 trying to keep the run chase going.
At the end Methlick could only manage 141 all out with Low swinging and hitting everything but the ball at the end. A disappointing Saturday but the rest of the season lies ahead to make amends. Next week we have the first team home to Portcullis where hopefully fortunes, catching and umpiring will improve.
Thanks go to today’s match ball sponsors – Corrine and Phil Cox.
By Mark Woodhouse