Nunholm let first game slip

May 8 2009 by Our Correspondent, Dumfries Standard Friday

SATURDAY saw JMS Nunholm travel to Albert Park for their first Western league encounter of 2009.

After the previous day’s weather, the wicket was ‘soft’ and it was decided to bowl first with the aim of chasing down the home side’s target.

The opening pairing of McBride and Newport started steadily with the former in particular beating the bat on numerous occasions.

McBride managed to get the first wicket of the season, while the change bowling of Russell Johnston kept things tight at the other end.

However, Greenwood was offering considerable resistance and it became apparent that he was going to be the prize scalp for the Nunholm attack.

Robertson and Gibson supported the opener Greenwood but the introduction of Barnes brought about a wicket and, with McBride getting another soon after, the match was evenly poised.

Telfer added control to the attack but after Greenwood gave a chance that wasn’t taken the home side began to take control hitting several boundaries to take the game away from the visitors.

Peter Johnstone eventually managed to get Greenwood out thanks to a good catch from Barnes. But some inaccurate bowling in the latter stages allowed the home side to reach a very respectable total of 186 for the loss of seven wickets.

The consensus was that the best way of approaching the run chase was to try and bat the allocated overs and keep wickets in hand.

However, the loss of both McBride and Johnston early meant JMS Nunholm got off to the worst possible start.Š

Farries and Cross started the rebuilding and managed to get the side up to 90 before Cross was out caught trying to up the scoring rate.

Soon after, Farries was bowled for a gritty 48 and when Potts was dismissed soon after victory was almost out of reach.

Williams and Barnes rallied near the end and the draw points looked to be safe.Š Then a catastrophic collapse saw the last 5 wickets fall for only 19 runs which handed the home side full points.

Scoreboard: Western Union Division 2, match ball sponsored by Purple Heather Therapy.

JMS Nunholm lost by 46 runs at Albert Park

Albert Park 186 for 7 (50Š overs)

Greenwood 52, R McBride 14 overs 4 for 41

JMS Nunholm 140 all out (49.2 overs)

H Farries 48, G Cross 22

Dumfries man of the match: H Farries for 48 runs on a tough wicket.