Friendly start to season

Apr 24 2009 by Our Correspondent, Dumfries Standard Friday

ST MICHAEL'S welcomed some 'kent faces' from Galloway CC to the Kingholm on Sunday for a pre-season friendly before Western Division II Fixtures start in earnest this Saturday.

Unfortunately the visitors were not able to field a full strength team so early in the year but it was a much-needed opportunity for all players to have a decent workout.

On a glorious spring day the DMPS Financial Services -supported St Michael’s were asked to bat first and the opening partnership between Chris Brockwell and Australian professional, Randall Hart got Saints off to a solid start with a stand of 53 in 10 overs.

Brockwell played some majestic drives in his 23 runs.

Hard-hitting Duncan Muir joined Hart at the crease just as he was finding top form, and the boundary rate increased as the pair added 100 runs in only 12 overs.

The two then fell quickly, Hart for 68 and Muir for 44, both to the bowling of Davidson after being asked to raise the pace still further.

This allowed overseas amateur Pat Sullivan to get some valuable time at the wicket and good partnerships with Ahsanul Alam (19) and Ross Marscheider (11 not out) took the total to a healthy 242 after 40 overs.

St Michael’s opening attack of Marscheider and Farrukh Shah made early inroads into the Galloway top order batsmen, as yet still short of their own overseas players.

When Shah took the vital wicket of former Saint Pat Druce, who was well taken at slip by Hart, Galloway were reduced to 17 for 3.

This allowed Saints to give the rest of the bowlers some match practice, including new player Ram who took a tumble early in his spell and went on to bowl five good overs without realising he had a broken shoulder!

Wickets fell steadily to most of the bowlers and only Will Gorman showed any prolonged resistance. But with some lower order support Galloway eventually reached a total of 82.

St Michael’s will be happy with all aspects of the game. Saints fielding was sharp and all catches were taken.

Sullivan also showed he is a fine wicketkeeper and contributed a smart stumping.

The batting looks good for the season ahead with Hart and Sullivan showing their class, as well as encouraging their team mates to better performances.

On Saturday, St Michael’s have their first league fixture when they face Titwood at Kingholm Park, starting at 1pm.

Scores: St Michael' s 242 - 6 (Hart 68, Muir 44, Sullivan 35 n.o., Brockwell 23) : Galloway 82 all out (Gorman 22 : Hart 3-5, Marscheider 2-8).