Kismet v Dunfermline Carnegie Cricket Club First Team on Sat 17 May 2008 at 13.00
Dunfermline Carnegie Cricket Club Lost by 3 runs
Persistent rain in the Kingdom of Fife meant that Saturdays game was a doubt until the last minute. Due to the wet conditions the game took place on the artifical surface at Duloch Park. On winning the toss Mitch decided to bowl first which proved to be a masterstroke as the comebacking (for the eleventh time) Kev Ross took 2 early wickets to reduce Kismet to 10-2. The ever relaible Matty Wauchop picked up a deserved wicket to leave Kismet 16-3. Carnegie were unable to continue their dominance as two Kismet batsman batted very well to take their side to the drinks break with no further losses. Carnegie had their usual lull in the field which this week lasted about 20 overs leading to Mitch becoming a tad agitated. After the drinks break the introduction of Graham Lindsay brought immediate reward as he had the hard hitting Kismet batsman caught by the ever reliable Gary 'Hamish French' Steward for 55. Graham bowled an excellent 5 over spell taking 1-20 or so and really brought Carnegie back into the game. Mitch also bowled with great accuracy to finish with 0-16 off 10 overs. Another masterstroke saw the return of Gary Steward who picked up 3 wickets with some very full bowling. Kismet finished on 151-7 a score that could have easily been a lot higher or a lot lower. Special mention to Barney for taking the keeping gloves at short notice and performing admirably behind the timbers (much better than Gav!!)
In reply Carnegie suffered a hammerblow early doors when Sharif had star opener Lafferty caught behind for a duck. Normally this is the cue for a batting collapse and today was no different as Barney chopped on, Mitch and Matty missed straight balls and Graham was bowled by one that came back a bit. The Kismet new ball bowling was as good as I have seen for a while. At 55-5 we can normally pack up and head home but today Gary and Pikey dug in with some good running between the wickets and clever placement to build a partnership. Gary was first to 50 but was immediately caught at mid on going for a big hit. This brought Pikey to the fore and he continued to roll back the years with one of the best innings he has played for years. He was joined by Bob 'Khushis' Hunter who displayed excellent technique and proved he is fully over his dislocated toe nail which hindered him so much last season. When Bob was run out going for quick runs it brought in Nelly who scampered in tandem with Pike to reduce the target to 4 off the last ball. Unfortunately Pikey failed to connect meaning he finished on an excellent 50 not out.
This was a close game between two evenly matched sides. Both sides innings were dominated by one big partnership while Kismets depth in bowling probably gave them the crucial edge. Carnegie failed to help themselves by bowling 25 wides which is, frankly, ridiculous. Bowlers should no better - just bowl straight how hard is it!!
Lots of positives for Carnegie to take into next weekends game with Kirkbrae. Full scorecard details will be entered in the next couple of days.
Kismet Batting
151 for 7
Dunfermline Carnegie Cricket Club First Team Bowling
Dunfermline Carnegie Cricket Club First Team Batting
148 for 8
Kismet Bowling