Methlick 1st X1 vs 2nd Aberdeen Grammar 17.08.2024
To avoid relegation every game is now vitally important and Methlick need to win their remaining fixtures. Saturday’s visit to Lairds was difficult to call as the away fixture was abandoned due to rain, so it was a relatively unknown Grammar team that turned out, with the added uncertainty of two loan players. Unfortunately for Methlick they could only field 10 men.
In the absence of skipper Smith, Tom Acton took charge and winning the toss enabled him to bat first on a good-looking batting wicket. Woodhouse went early going for a boundary and caught at mid-on, and Crutchfield was soon to follow, caught behind.
A captain’s innings was now required by Ginger Tom and how he delivered. A mixture of big hitting and stolen runs left partner Shahid Chowdry gasping for air as both batsmen piled on the runs as their partnership approached 50. Chowdry finally succumbed for 18, caught off Siddiq, with the score on 69 for 3.
This brought a fresh pair of lungs (and legs) as the season’s batting sensation, Mike Hordley, came to the middle. The batting continued in an increasing pace as Acton reached his half century with Hordley looking increasingly dangerous until caught off Quareshi on 17, by which time another 49 runs had been added to take the score to 128 off 35 overs.
The job was not done however as a par score seemed to be in the region of 150. Alan Hill was promoted up the order to provide some big hitting but was out for a duck, first ball LBW. Acton took control of the last 4 overs and blasted away with Cordiner and Mark Witt supporting. He fell just short of his century with the last 4 overs going for 40 runs with the innings finished on 173 for 6, and Acton unbeaten on a fabulous 93.
After tea Methlick were bolstered with one of the junior players, Charlie Burnett, turning out for his debut in the field. The Grammar batsmen replied stoically, saved on a couple of occasions by dropped chances from the hapless Hill. The bowling of twinkle-toes Crutchfield and John Moore provided no easy runs, and the first and second change bowlers, Hordley and Chowdry, also kept everything tight.
It took 18 overs, however, until Tom Murray fell on 30 to a full-length catch, inches from the ground, by Mark Witt off Hordley’s bowling. As usual the drinks break brought its rewards as Crutchfield bowled Harry Murphy for 17. Grammar moved onto 85 when Nattrass was taken by Cordiner stumped Woodhouse.
The match was excitingly poised with Grammar needing 91 off the last 13 overs and a lot depended on what Grammar could offer in their batting. Hassan was looking dangerous but became “Benny” Hill’s first victim as he was caught by Crutchfield off Hill’s swing bowling. After his golden duck and a couple of dropped catches it was now Hill’s moment and he tore through the batting.
Middle order resistance was broken as Saboor nicked one to Woodhouse and then Hill beat the outside edge of Saboor for another stumping by the keeper. Another sparkling catch from Witt gave Chowdry a wicket. With 2 wickets remaining Grammar needed 26 off the last 3 overs.
Hill was unplayable as he took Al-Hussnan for a duck with another stumping by Woodhouse, and then the coup-de grace was delivered by Hill as Abassi tried to slog and skied it for Woodhouse to take a running catch to end the innings with Methlick winning by 24 runs and Hill taking 5 for 16.
A most exciting game at Lairds was enjoyed by a good crowd with the next game against fellow strugglers Huntly in two weeks-time at Lairds.
Our thanks go to today’s match ball sponsors, Phil and Coreen Cox in memory of Mark Colley Davies.
By Mark Woodhuse.