“All the singles ladies” cry Ritch as he takes down Musselburgh

MDAFS 153-6

G Ramapriya 32, L Mulholland 25,

F Ross 23* Howe 3-25

beat

Musselburgh 60ao

T Ritch 3-18, F Ross 3-0

by 93 runs

Viv ensuring there were no nasty surprises during the game

After a disappointing week last week at Stew Mel the 1s looked to bounce back against Musselburgh and get some parks revenge while they were at it. An overcast humid afternoon saw captain Viv win the toss and bat on a decent looking deck after a dry week. This allowed Tom Ritch to put his feet up and do the scoring after proclaiming that was the only thing he was good at, while at the same time remembering that he’d left the book at home…

With added pressure of onlooking Beyoncé fans, Lewis and Hawkins stepped out hoping to post big scores in the (spare) book. After one of the most village starts to date, with the first ball of the innings being a waist high full toss dollied up to point and dropped, things could only get better. However, a tight opening spell from both openers saw Hawkins fall for 1 caught behind off the tall spinner, Middlemass, on a skiddy pitch. This saw Maggie come to the crease in hopes for a partnership with Lewis. The two managed to free their arms and increase the run rate, which was hard with the long outfield.

Lewis was the next to go, out to the same spinner looping one up and caught for a well made 25. Garuda was next to the crease which made for good viewing as the two in the middle preferred the bigger hit to the quick single. A few good shots and walked singles later Maggie departed, caught for 19 off the young spinner, Howe. Score around 70/4, at the halfway stage, helped by trapping one of their players in the armoury at drinks for an over.

Brad was next in, with his mind more on his part time job of backup dancer for Beyoncé, quickly departed for 8, bowled by the young spinner who gave him a slightly unnecessary send off.

Next in Tim, after a few lives at the crease, with two close LBWs and one that clipped the bails (for the second time in the innings, superglue working well). With about 10 overs to go and Garuda looking to speed up the run rate with some lusty blows, he was caught for 32 off the young spinner again. A great knock to get the team into a strong batting position.

Next in Fin, hoping to build on his good looking 7 last week. With 100 up for Murrayfield, Fin and Tim looked to tick over the scoreboard with plenty of quick singles as gaps started to open. Next out Tim for 17, bowled trying to hoick into the leg side aiming to accelerate the run rate with 5 overs to go. Making way for the big bosher to come in, captain Viv.

Both looked good, Fin even pulling out the scoop in the last over. The innings finished on 156/6 with Fin and Viv finishing on 23* and 11* respectively. A very respectable score on the wicket and outfield. Over to the bowlers for their job, after a spot of tea.

Opening up was an in form Tom Ritch who continued to steam in swinging it both ways, the ball as well. Viv kept it tight at the other end, a good spell and unlucky not to pick up a wicket. The first breakthrough came through Ritch with a screamer at second slip from Maggie diving to his left, a catch straight down Fin’s throat, who was “happy to leave it”.

Things went from bad to worse for the visitors. With the other opener smashing one to mid off for what he thought was a no brainer single, he was soon sent back halfway down the track after a rocket arm from young gun in the field Viv into Hawkins gloves, whipping the bails off. Musselburgh 2 down for not many.

Frank next on after a good spell of 6 overs 0/17 from Viv. One eye on Beyoncé fans and one eye on the wicket, Frank was unlucky in his first couple with the umpire keeping his hands in his pockets after some good shouts. Tom Ritch at the other end continued his onslaught, finally getting another, bowled for 8. And straight away T. Ritch on the money again with a great length, top of off, sees a golden duck and a hat-trick ball for his final over of his spell. After an anti-climactic hat-trick ball, Ritch ends his great spell of 9 overs, 3 maidens, 3/18.

With the visitors in a spot of trouble. They now have leggy Rubly to deal with (leading league wicket taker if he hasn’t told you already, by the way). At the other end, Frank finally gets his wicket. The pressure causing the batter to try to score, is bowled, that ended the spell of 6 overs 1/13. With the score around 45/5, it was a long way to go for Musselburgh, however with captain Verma still in, we had to stay vigilant.

Jared started off with a few stock ball half trackers. After landing a few the batters had a difficult time of it which made scoring difficult. Pressure brings wickets and Jared gets the captain caught behind for 9. Musselburgh 50/6

With Frank’s overs done, who does Viv look to close out the innings, the promising up and coming young gun gets the nod. A few rockets later and more heads turning to watch, Fin Ross gets his first, a mis-timed shot up to Garuda at mid off who makes no mistake. Wickets tumbling as the weather became more humid and rain was beckoning. 

With intent to get it done quickly to avoid rain and the smell of the BBQ starting up was a recipe for success. Jared gets another bowled, C. Fox for a duck, hopefully there will also be meats featured on the BBQ (marinated and pre-cooked, of course).

Fin at the other end hooping the ball and bamboozling batters gets one caught behind by Maggie, assisted by Hawkins. Quickly after Ross gets the final wicket, 60 all out, MUFS win by 93 runs. Ross ending on figures of 3 overs, 3 wickets, no runs. Putting his name in the hat for all-rounder of the year. Jared ends his spell 9/2 off 7 overs. A top effort by all with bat and bowl, a well earned beer and BBQ.

Outstanding bowling average for Finlay Sutherland Ross