Clydesdale u11s were missing some key players for the big derby game with Kalum, Imran, Robbie and Rian all away, but the players that did play did the club proud with a solid performance that ultimately provided a comfortable win.
Owain has finally got the knack of winning the toss and put Poloc in. A cagey start – some tight bowling and some solid Poloc defence, but Arman made the first breakthrough. Callum James had started to open up with some solid cover drives, so the captain moved himself into the gap and promptly took a catch off Arman’s first ball. He then followed with a caught and bowled and suddenly Poloc’s solid start had crumbled. We didn’t have Musa to bowl the middle overs this week as he’d been given the keeper’s gloves and was making a good job of it including taking one run out . But Adam and Zain bowled tightly for the middle pair and Poloc’s last pair – the impressive Kes and Ayub just couldn’t fire the team to the high score they wanted. Highlights in the field were an outstanding catch at square leg by Zain, which he then topped with a fantastic diving stop off his own bowling which he managed to somehow twist and turn into a direct hit to run out the non striker. With Owain taking 2-9 and Arman 2-11, Poloc were kept down to 78-7, net 43.
So Clydesdale only needed to score at roughly 2 an over to win, and with 2 runs for a wide, they really didn’t need to do anything drastic. The new opening partnership of Musa and Zain read the script and batted sensibly until Musa ran himself out not grounding his bat. But that one blemish aside the pair ticked over nicely taking Clydesdale past 20. Owain and Adam came in next and pushed the team into a net lead. Neither looked like getting out and punished the bad balls well, both finishing with good double figure scores. Arman who had bowled so well came in and promptly pulled his first ball for 4. Unfortunately when he repeated the shot he hadn't realised Poloc had moved their best fielder to square leg, where he promptly gobbled the catch. Partner Grant also hit two fours but was beaten by a sharp delivery that kept low. When the last pair came in the game was won provided they didn't lose five wickets. Musa and Nyal batted sensibly and saw the bowlers off as the darkness closed in. final score 107-7 net 72 and a good victory.
