Doughty Dozen Storm Fortress Murrayfield
Another fine performance by the Wasps on Monday night as they sealed an edgy win in the last over against Murrayfield DAFS down by the river.
The late, unexpected but welcome appearance of Arseniy meant that we had 12 men on the night .As Murrayfield had 13, we decided to play on so that everyone got a game and an excellent match it was. Captain Jamie decided to field first (somewhat against the advice of the coach!) so the lads soon got down to work against a useful top order, particularly their opening batsman Fin who played some very nice stuff, ultimately retiring on an undefeated 31.
On a good but slightly stodgy wicket, it was the sort of night where bowlers had to plug away and batsman had to hang around in order to make a total and the boys stuck doggedly to their task. It was a testament to some good fielding and keen cricket that their opener was the only MF batsman to make double figures. Time to harp on again about the number of extras – 24 wides this time. The bowlers must spend net time working on a line on or just outside off stump so that we can bring this number down. It may cost us the odd match as we go along so it is right to draw attention.
All the bowlers did their bit but a special mention to Matthew Bedford who took best of the night figures of 4overs – 1 maiden – 3wks -7runs including two c&b – magic Mazza!
So chasing a total of 84 to win, Cammy and Scott opened up for the Wasps. The aforementioned Fin opened their bowling and slung them down with both pace and a bit of swing, unfortunately bowling Cammy off his pads first bowl. Thereafter Scott T and Matty H steadied the ship and nudged it along at around 3 an over until Scott popped one up and was well caught.
Scott H was beaten by one that stayed low bringing together the two Matthews who sensibly worked it around for the key partnership of the match. Matty H made yet another unbeaten 31 and Matty B made a priceless 17 that was remarkable in particular for some energetic singles – great running between the wickets you two. I reckon that nicked us at least 8 runs, ultimately making the difference between the two sides. Take note Wasps!
After the demise of Matthew it was left to Jamie and Tom to find around 15 off the last 4 overs and after Jamie was unluckily run out by a direct hit, the scene was set for a close finish with the Wasps needing a nervous 3 off the last over. Nervous that is unless you are Cool Hand Calum Harris who strode into the crease, took one to get himself settled in then hit the shot of the night over long on, just landing inside the ropes for 4 and the win. Magnificent Calum!
Well done to all the boys. Let’s keep this momentum going into our next match against Royal High Corstorphine next Monday!
