EK2s beat Glenpark

EK2 s recent games vs. Greenock 2s have all ended in a similar way – pretty severe beatings for EK and early finishes. However EK travelled with a strong 2nd team and had high hope of providing stronger competition against a team that is always useful.
As usual the opposition won the toss and put EK in to bat. Their new ball bowlers bowled well and had EK at 14-2 and memories of recent beatings loomed. Fortunately Nick Ralphs (102) and Gareth Urquhart (72), starting watchfully before accelerating the scoring rate, added 144 for the 3rd wicket. It was only 2 weeks ago that the captain had a 1-1 net session with Andy Kampmann and the results would have been pleasing for the absent coach. Gareth in the meantime played some very cultured shots and won’t be requiring coaching in the foreseeable future. Others chipped in down the order, with Kieran Manchip (16 off 19 balls) again looking like he has the ability to make the transition from age group cricket, leaving a total of 244-8 for Greenock to chase.
With a couple of rain delays the D/L total for Gck was 201 to win which they may have fancied given their batting line up. Josh Richardson (3 wickets) and Steve Mann did their job and took the first 4 wickets between them with Josh again showing his ability to clean bowl the oppositions better batsmen. Despite their strong showing what they were really doing was softening the opposition up for our deadly fist change bowler Gareth U who came on and bamboozled the opposition with his rich variety of deliveries taking 3 wickets.
The game had ebbed and flowed and at 96-2 Gck looked in a strong position but whereas in other games EK heads may have been dropping at that point, the intensity and determination in the field never dropped with various fielders diving to prevent boundaries (Josh head butting the covers at the side of the pitch and Saran performing a triple somersault being highlights) and effecting a number of stinging stops off very hard hit balls.
At 154-8 and 7 overs still to go from our 5th and 6th bowlers the game could have been in the balance – but Alastair MacDougall and Gavin Meikle who have bowled no more that 10 league overs between them in the last 2 seasons were positive in their approach – wanting to get on and bowl rather than being nervous about the prospect. So Gavin bowled a tight over. Ally launched his first delivery high into the clouds and took middle wicket when it finally landed. Third ball in to Gavin’s 2nd over and the batsmen had the temerity to chance a quick single to Gareth U. Given the game he had had this was a lapse in judgement and sure enough he picked the ball up and threw down the one stump he could see. Gck all out for 166 and a very good win for the 2s.
Other things around the game were also very pleasing. Half the first team came along to watch as their game was off and that support was appreciated. The game was played in good spirit. The Greenock supporters were quick to applaud both teams and a jug was presented to those that stayed for a drink after the match. This excellent tradition has largely died out and it was great to see it again. No prizes for guessing who drank two thirds of the kind offering. He obviously had to demonstrate his all round abilities extended to off the field activities as well as those on the field.