Semi-final place booked

Jun 26 2009 by Susan Bryden, Dumfries Standard Friday

DMPS Financial Services St Michael’s played Kilmarnock at the Kingholm on Sunday and gained a semi-final slot, away to Rossie Priory from Tayside, in the Scottish Small Clubs Cup.

On winning the toss again, skipper D Rankine put the opposition in to bat. The opening attack of Farrukh and Rankine bowled tightly and with Farrukh bowling the two opening batsmen, Kilmarnock were 15-2 after the first 10 overs.

This brought Weir to the crease, and with some clean hitting against the medium pacers he added 70 runs along with Eleem in quick time.

The spinner Brockwell promptly removed Weir when he top edged to D Fallas. Eleem was then well caught by Brockwell off the bowling of R Dunlop to leave the opposition at 100-4 after 25 overs.

Brockwell then bowled a great spell, quickly removing the next three batsmen to finish with four wickets for 10 runs in his nine overs.

Kilmarnock’s only resistance was McFadzean and once Farrukh had him caught by D Armstrong for 20 runs the innings soon ended on 135 with Rankine and Armstrong claiming a wicket each.

The St Michael’s reply got off to a good start until Brockwell pulled a short ball on to his stumps after scoring eight.

Ali Smith was soon back in the pavilion for four but this brought Pat Sullivan to the wicket fresh from his century the day before.

He continued in the same great form and he dominated the bowlers by hitting shots to all parts of the ground. Along with steady support from Ahsanul Kishore Sullivan reached yet another half century and the pair added 88 runs in 15 overs. Sullivan was then bowled for 69, which included 10 boundaries, this left Saints needing 30 runs from 25 overs. Farrukh then joined Kishore and they reached the required runs easily with 18 overs to spare.

The Chalmers Construction man of the match went to Chris Brockwell for his fine bowling.

Scores: Kilmarnock 135 - all out, C Brockwell 4-10, Farrukh 3-14. DMPS St Michael’s 136 - 3, P Sullivan 69, A Kishore 18 no, Farrukh 14.