DMPS Financial Services St Michael's

Match Reports 2011

Saints fall at the last hurdle – Just!

DMPS St Michael's Cricket Club travelled to top of the table side Prestwick last Saturday knowing that there was still a chance, albeit a small one, that they could pip their hosts to the WDCU Premiership title.

Saints needed to restrict the home side to just three points to be crowned as league champions, however, the formula for losing bonus points made this a very tall order, and one which made the toss crucial.

DMPS Saints skipper Heron called incorrectly in his last game in charge, and on a wicket that looked perfect for bowling it was no surprise to anyone when opposition captain Pitt asked Saints to bat. This meant that should Prestwick take seven wickets in the first innings they would have secured the 4 points they needed to win the title no matter what happened when they batted.

Only eight overs into the DMPS Saints innings the first wicket fell, Brockwell adjudged lbw for 6 from the bowling of talented youngster Morrison. Club stalwart Muir joined Gibson at the crease and took the attack to the home side with two crashing boundaries through cover being the highlight; however, having built a partnership of 42 he was too given lbw for 11, this time off the bowling of Scott.

Heron came and went disappointingly, but this brought Larsen to the middle and with his fellow Kiwi the biggest partnership of the day developed. Larsen played some quality shots all around the wicket while Gibson rode his luck somewhat but still accumulated runs in front of some potential suitors.

The Antipodean pair put on 47 runs until Gibson was the third lbw of the day, out for a hard earned 51 off the bowling of Pitt. When Pitt claimed his second wicket, that of Larsen for a fluent 34, Saints were on 135-6 in the 43rd over and Prestwick were within touching distance of winning the league.

It only took another two overs for the home side to secure the seventh Saints wicket This time Marscheider given out lbw when hit high on the thigh, to send the home side into a mass celebration in the middle.

With the league lost, the remaining batsmen were instructed to attack and have some fun, with the aim of putting some quick runs on the board. With such an approach wickets will undoubtedly fall quickly and DMPS Saints lost their last three wickets for only five runs, with Kishore unbeaten on 12 and the innings finishing on 146 in the 48th over.

During the interval the mood of the camp was obviously one of disappointment, but also one of determination to get back on the field and win the game outright. DMPS Saints took the field wanting to prove that they were indeed a better team than Prestwick on the day, and leave a lasting impression should the sides indeed meet again in the near future.

It only took three overs for Saints to take their first victim, Larsen having MacDonald caught at mid-on by Gibson when the batsman tried once too often to try and hit his was out of trouble.

Adding to his wicketless day Rafiq was the next to go for a single run, comprehensively clean bowled by Gibson in the sixth over, leaving the home side on 9-2. Lawler and Rodger attacked Saints with some aggressive shots and had built a frustrating partnership until the former was caught by Larsen off the bowling of Foster, who has undoubtedly been one of the finds of the season.

When Foster finished his spell, another new shining light for this season Tom Holmes, was brought on and produced some magic first ball having Roger caught behind by the ever-reliable Farrukh for the highest Prestwick individual score of 37.

With Prestwick stumbling on 63-4 from 19 overs the game developed into the Chris Brockwell show. Saints vice-captain produced a wonderful spell, taking four wickets for a mere 13 runs to destroy Prestwick's middle/late order. Aided by a Marscheider wicket, the solitary lbw to be awarded to Saints, and a suicidal run out between Pettigrew and A. Scott, Prestwick were dismissed for only 92 runs on their home patch.

Despite losing the title – one bad day at the office versus Hillhead being the only defeat of the season and ultimately costing the side dearly – all the players who took the field can be proud of their efforts in comprehensively beating the side who will now represent the WDCU in the play offs to reach the National League.

Everyone at DMPS St Michael's would like to congratulate Prestwick on winning this season's title and wish them all the best in the play off games and pursuit to get promoted to the SNCL.

The club would also like to thank overseas players Corey Larsen and Jamie Gibson for all their efforts this season – both on and off the park – and wish them a safe trip home and every success with their future.

The Corner House Hotel, Annan Man of the Match award went to Chris Brockwell for his tremendous spell of bowling, leadership qualities and drive on the field. When ratified as skipper for next year, the side will no doubt in very capable and trustworthy hands.

Scores: DMPS St Michael's CC: 146 (J. Gibson 51, C. Larsen 34 ; A. Scott 7.3-2-10-3, G.Pitt 10-1-24-5) : Prestwick: 92 (C. Roger 37 ; C.Larsen 5-1-21-1, J. Gibson 5-3-7-1, C. Brockwell 10-5-13-4, C. Foster 4-0-28-1, T. Holmes 4-0-14-1, R. Marscheider 2-0-4-1, D. Rankine 1-0-4-0)

01/09/11

Rain Dampens Saints Title Hopes

DMPS St Michael's Cricket Club hosted third placed Glasgow Accies last Saturday knowing that a win was a must in order to stay in contention for the 2011 WDCU Premiership title.

As has been the case all season, weather forecasts were varied, but everyone hoped that the rain would bypass Kingholm Park and a game of cricket could be completed. On winning the toss opposition skipper Andrew unsurprisingly asked Saints to bat.

Despite a reshuffle in the batting order, the opening pair remained constant; Brockwell and Gibson provided a solid opening stand in difficult conditions. Both batsmen played responsibly putting on 40 runs in nine overs until Gibson was caught at mid wicket off the bowling of Ganapathi for 20.

Duncan Muir joined his vice captain at the wicket and started to build another vital partnership worth 31 runs. Brockwell was the next to be dismissed, bowled through the gate by Statpute for 27. DMPS Saints were 71-2 from 22 overs.

Heron joined Muir in the middle and both batsmen played sensibly for the first part of the partnership, not taking any unnecessary risks but still scoring at three an over. Rain intervened and the innings was reduced down to a maximum 45 overs, but everyone felt it wouldn’t be the last reduction of the day and run rate could become an issue.

Another heavy rain shower meant tea was taken early and the match was reduced down to 42 overs a side.

On restarting the game it was decided that Heron would attack the bowling while Muir would rotate the strike. The partnership yielded a total 56 runs until Muir could not resist the spin bowling of Sheridan and was bowled for an excellent knock of 32, leaving Saints on 142-3 from 35 overs.

With only 7 overs to go, it was felt that a score of 180 plus would be very competitive. Holmes who continues to look a great prospect for the future and Chaudry came and went trying to increase the run rate. Heron was eventually out in the 38th over, run out for a well constructed 44 with the DMPS Saints score on 158.

Marscheider, Foster and Abbas were the last three wickets to fall in the remaining overs, leaving Larsen – possibly the best number ten seen in a Saints line up – undefeated and the innings finishing on 177-9.

This was a welcome reversal of the batting performance from the week before. This Saturday saw the top order take individual and collective responsibility and build solid partnerships which allowed the middle and lower order the freedom to attack later on in the innings.

A score of 177 from 42 overs was very competitive, especially considering the slow damp outfield and the seven quality bowlers at skipper Heron's disposal. DMPS Saints were very confident of defending the total but not so confident the weather would allow the fixture to be completed.

Just over four overs later, having dismissed opposition skipper Andrew for 4 to put Glasgow Accies on 16-1, the game was abandoned when the rain got heavier and did not stop for the rest of the day.

This was a very disappointing end to the match for the Saints contingent. The mood of the camp did not get better when later it was announced that Prestwick had beaten GU Staff and moved further ahead of DMPS Saints at the top of the table. Despite playing Prestwick in the last game of the season in two weeks time, Saints need some help from either Kilmarnock or the weather next Saturday to still be in contention for the title.

However, DMPS Saints will be concentrating on beating GU Staff next week in their fixture at Kingholm Park before considering their league position and the Prestwick fixture.

The Cressfield Country House Hotel Man of the Match award went to Derek Heron for his solid middle order batting display.

DMPS St Michael's CC: 177-9 (D. Heron 44, D. Muir 32, C. Brockwell 27. E Sheridan 8-0-35-5)

09/08/11

DMPS Saints Host Indian Touring Side

DMPS St Michael's Cricket Club hosted touring side Roshanara Club Delhi last Sunday on a cold and overcast day that the tourists were definitely not accustomed to!

Having travelled all the way from London to fulfil the fixture, the visitors were asked to field by skipper Brockwell as soon as they got off the bus in the 25 over match.

Opening bowler Tarum had the longest run up seen at Kingholm Park for many a year, but this did not result in any extreme pace or accuracy and opening batsmen Gibson and Brockwell tucked in. His solitary over went for 15 runs.

Saints lost their first wicket in third over when Brockwell was plumb lbw playing late to one that skidded off the pitch. Gibson was the next batsmen to go, again judged lbw from one that nipped back and hit him in the pads. DMPS Saints were 39-2 from 7 overs.

First change bowler Veer, who is no doubt the most intense and aggressive sexagenarian seen by all the home players, took the next two wickets of Larsen caught and bowled and Farrukh again lbw. A mixture of accurate medium pace bowling coupled with his "thousand yard" stare made the opposition skipper a formidable opponent on the day.

Holmes was the next to be dismissed, this time caught behind off the bowling of Ishneed, to leave DMPS Saints struggling on 52-5.

Fixture organiser Kishore joined the steady Bellwood at the crease, and once Gunner had replicated his 2010 season and been given another life, the biggest partnership of the day developed. Bellwood looked in great nick, hitting five boundaries and two maximums in a great knock of 64, whereas Kishore punished the short ball hitting two boundaries and one six on his way to a well played 44.

When both these batsmen were eventually dismissed they had taken the total to 155, Heron and Seymour took the tally to 164 at the end of the allotted 25 overs. This was deemed to be a competitive score and one the home side felt confident of defending.

Things went to plan at the beginning of the Roshanara innings, when Gibson continued his good form with the ball from the previous day, bowling Arjun in his first over for 8. Three overs later fellow countryman Larsen took the scalp of Adidya, again clean bowling the Indian batsman.

Gibson bowled Tendulkar, Bellwood bowled Ishneed, Holmes had Dilip caught in the deep, and Larsen took his second wicket having Punter – who was perhaps too full from enjoying the culinary delights on offer rather than batting – caught at deep mid-on by Bellwood.

This had the visitors on 92-6 and the game very much in the balance. However, number three bat Rajan, who had looked a class act all day decided to take the game away from Saints. Rajan plundered nine boundaries and one maximum in a vintage innings and looked a tremendous player of both pace and spin bowling. Supported at the other end by Sachin, who had decided that no matter where the ball was pitched, it was going over mid wicket for six, the pair saw Roshanara home in the 24th over. Rajan remained undefeated for a tremendous 77 not out, an innings appreciated by all, and Sachin smashed a quick 38 not out including one boundary and four massive sixes.

This was a most enjoyable competitive game where the visitors deservedly won with some fine batting displays. It is hoped that Kingholm Park will see an Indian touring team visit on an annual basis. Thanks go to all of those who organised the match.

The Jewel In The Crown Men of the Match awards went to Chris Bellwood for his innings of 64 for the home side, and no surprise to Rajan for Rohanara Club Delhi for as good an innings seen at Kingholm Park for quite some time.

Scores: DMPS St Michael's CC: 164-7 (C. Bellwood 64, A. Kishore 44 ; Dilip 4-0-27-2, Tarum 1-0-15-0, Veer 5-0-18-2, Ishneed 5-0-22-3, Manish 2-0-13-0, Akhil 5-0-39-0, Rajan 3-0-29-0)

Roshanara Club Delhi CC: 170-6 (Rajan 77 no, Sachin 38 no, Dilip 22 ; C. Larsen 5-1-16-2, J. Gibson 5-1-45-2, C. Bellwood 4.1-0-40-1, M. Wharton 2-0-15-0, T. Holmes 3-0-22-1, C. Brockwell 3-0-32-0)

04/08/11

DMPS Saints Suffer First League Defeat

DMPS St Michael's Cricket Club travelled to Ayr last Saturday to play the nomadic Hillhead side that are without a home ground in 2011 due to the fact that their Hughenden complex is being redeveloped.

Saints lost the toss and Hillhead chose to bat. The wicket at Ayr looked a typical batsman's paradise, but there were tinges of green on the wicket and it was perhaps a good toss to lose.

Four overs into the innings Gibson took the first wicket, bowling Richardson with the Hillhead score on 15. This brought well known danger man Chaudry to the wicket. Gibson troubled both batsmen with his pace and was rewarded with Chaudry's wicket, clean bowling the Indian professional with one that cut back in off the pitch. Brockwell was introduced back into the attack and struck with his second ball, claiming Foster caught and bowled for 21. Hillhead were placed on 41-3 from 13 overs.

The highest Hillhead partnership of the day developed with Alam and Burns playing sensibly to start and at the same time hitting the bad ball to the boundary on seven occasions. The pair took the home side to the drinks break and on the restart Brockwell enticed Burns to drive one that wasn’t quite there and was caught by Kishore at cover for 24.

Five overs later Alam decided to try and hit one boundary too many when looking in command and unnecessarily threw his wicket away caught at mid-on by Foster off the bowling of Holmes for 26. DMPS Saints now had their hosts 102-5 from 26 overs.

Three more quick wickets fell – all claimed by the impressive Foster – and Saints felt in complete control. However, a stubborn partnership by the evergreen Bond and Fergus halted Saints' momentum. It took a well-disguised slower ball from Gibson to dismiss Fergus to a return catch for 6 and Hillhead were on 143-9.

Five overs later Bond was eventually run out for a very important 16, finishing the hosts' innings on 169. This was a great effort from Saints when a score of 200-250 would have been expected on a quality wicket and quick outfield.

During the break the team discussed the need to build partnerships and play sensibly and to take the previous week's mini-batting collapse against Helensburgh as a warning. Unfortunately this message didn’t seem to get through and DMPS Saints ultimately paid for it.

Only four overs into the Saints innings, opposition skipper Bond proved that he has still got what it takes to deliver at this level. Gibson was adjudged lbw for 6 and Muir followed five balls later, clean bowled by an outswinger without troubling the scorers.

The DMPS Saints batting line up then began to collapse like the proverbial pack of cards. Larsen – who was particularly unlucky to be given lbw – Brockwell, and Kishore were dismissed for a further 29 runs in only 11 overs. Saints were in deep trouble on 45-5.

Holmes and Marscheider tried to launch a counter attack; however, both were dismissed in quick succession each for 11 leaving DMPS Saints all but doomed on 68-7 in the 20th over. Foster came and went quickly, leaving Heron and Moss in the middle with the side eight wickets down, 100 runs behind, and 29 overs still remaining.

Both batsmen decided the first aim was to keep the opposition out in the field as long as possible and frustrate them as much as possible. Despite being offered some juicy buffet bowling, both Heron and Moss protected their wickets first and took safe runs when they were available.

The fielding side became more and more frustrated, and some banter was exchanged in the middle, especially when the Saints batsmen changed tactics and began to hit the ball frequently to the boundary. Whilst still unlikely, there was still a small glimmer of hope for DMPS Saints at this stage.

Moss's brave stance ended with the reintroduction of Bond into the attack, adjudged lbw when he had in fact hit the ball into his pads. At the other end Heron had no other choice but to try and hit out as best he could and also farm the strike.

Having hit another boundary, Heron decided to take a single from the fourth ball of the 42nd over, leaving number eleven Kirkpatrick to survive two balls from Bond. Unfortunately, Kirkpatrick lasted but a single ball and was caught behind to finish the Saints innings on 114, Heron carrying his bat for 31 not out.

This was a bitterly disappointing batting performance by the DMPS Saints line-up, especially considering the warnings from the week before. Changes in the line up will seriously have to be considered with only three games left in the 2011 season. However, it is still possible for Saints to win the WDCU Premiership title should they win their remaining three matches, starting with the tough fixture against Glasgow Accies this Saturday at Kingholm Park.

The Dumfries Motor Factors Man of the Match Award went to skipper Derek Heron for his belligerent rearguard batting that unfortunately was to no avail.

Hillhead CC: 169 all out (Alam 26, G. Burns 24. C. Larsen 10-2-30-0, J. Gibson 10-3-32-3, C. Brockwell 9.4-2-22-2, R. Marscheider 4-0-32-0, T. Holmes 10-1-36-1, C. Foster 6-0-11-3) : DMPS St Michael's CC: 114 all out (D.Heron 31 n.o., R. Bond 7.5-2-20-4, M. Alam 10-3-19-4)

01/08/11

DMPS Saints Maintain Title Challenge

DMPS St Michael's Cricket Club completed their longest trip of the season to Helensburgh with the ambition of winning the fixture and maintaining their top spot in the WDCU Premiership league.

Lady luck shone on the visitors when skipper Heron won the toss and inserted Helensburgh on a damp pitch.

However, opening bowlers Larsen and Rankine struggled to adjust to the conditions. Larsen moved the ball prodigiously through the air and off the pitch and the Helenburgh batsmen were simply not good enough to get a bat on it. Rankine on the other hand could not repeat his usual metronome standards. Fortunately, the run rate was not getting away from Saints, the home score only reaching 11 runs from nine overs.

It took the introduction of Ross Marscheider for Saints to make inroads into the hosts' line up. In his third over Marscheider claimed two wickets, first having S. Khan caught acrobatically at second slip by Larsen and two balls later A. Khan was caught behind by Muir. Two overs later Brockwell got in on the act as opener Chambers was caught at first slip by Heron for 8. Helensburgh were now on 27-3 from 18 overs.

The Marscheider/Larsen double act paid off again one over later and Lewis dismissed without troubling the scorers. Marscheider then claimed his fourth and final wicket of the day, dismissing Arachi for 8 aided by a great catch down the leg side by 'keeper Muir.

The highest partnership of 23 from the home side innings then developed, Stevens counter attacking with some quality aggressive strokes. However, it must be said this was aided by a lacklustre and flat fielding performance and some wayward bowling from Saints that included a total 24 extras on the day.

Gibson claimed Lang's wicket caught by Rankine at mid on, then it took a great caught and bowled from the Kiwi to finally dismiss Stevens for an impressive 31 to leave the home side on 92-7 from 34 overs.

The last three wickets fell for 11 runs, Larsen hitting the poles on each occasion in his second spell. Helensburgh had been dismissed for 103.

DMPS Saints opening batsmen Brockwell and Gibson strode to the wicket knowing that spending time in the middle and building a big partnership was the order of the day. Both batsmen looked in complete control against the opening bowlers and quickly put 50 runs on the board. However, when the change bowlers came on, their spin bowling changed the shape of the game.

Brockwell was the first to be dismissed, adjudged lbw for 27 off the bowling of Todd when next season's skipper informed his teammates he had edged the ball onto his pads. One over later, Gibson was clean bowled by A. Khan leaving Saints on 61-2 from 11 overs. When Larsen got a beauty, bowled through the gate by A. Khan the mood on the field had subtly changed but DMPS Saints were not pressing the panic button just yet.

Still very much on top, it was expected that the remaining Saints batsmen would play sensibly, wait for the bad ball, and cruise to victory. When Kishore let himself and his teammates down by playing a totally inappropriate shot in the context of the game being dismissed for a lowly 2, Saints were now under unnecessary pressure on 75-4 from 15 overs.

It was left to the "grey brigade" of Muir and Heron to steady the ship. They consciously blocked out the danger man Khan while scoring freely from the lesser bowlers at the other end. It only took 7 overs of this seasoned approach to see DMPS Saints home, Muir finishing undefeated on 23 and Heron also carrying his bat for 17 not out.

A win is a win and this one gained Saints a much needed 12 points to maintain their place at the top of the table. However, this performance was not up to the standards that the team has set itself this season, neither in the field nor with the bat. Two thorough and effective training sessions this week will be needed to prepare for next weeks fixture against Hillhead CC who are also competing for this seasons title.

The Costa Coffee, Dumfries Man of the Match award went to Ross Marscheider for accurate controlled bowling that was rewarded with four deserved wickets.

Scores:

Helensburgh CC: 103 all out (D. Stevens 31. C. Larsen 9-3-12-3, D. Rankine 8-2-24-0, C. Brockwell 6-1-15-1, R. Marscheider 7-3-13-4, J. Gibson 9-2-31-2) : DMPS St Michael's CC: 104-4. (C. Brockwell 27, D. Muir 23 n.o., D.Heron 17 n.o., A. Khan 7-2-12-3)

24/07/11

DMPS Saints Complete Cup Upset

DMPS St Michael's travelled to Glasgow last Sunday to play Weirs in the SCU Trophy, with the tag of underdogs against the National League side but still confident of maintaining their 100% record for the season.

Weirs had defeated local rivals Dumfries the day before in the SNCL Championship and fully expected to be travelling back down the M74 for the next round of the competition to face the Nunholm side in a week's time.
 
On arrival the sun was shining. Saints debutant skipper Brockwell won the toss and decided to bat on what looked like a good pitch. They soon came to realise that the pitch wasn't as good as it looked, was low and slow and a score of about 180 would be a very competitive.
 
Four overs into the match DMPS Saints lost their first wicket when captain Brockwell played at one too early and chipped it straight to midwicket for 1 with the score on 7.
 
Coming off the back of a good innings the day before, Duncan Muir came put together a good partnership with Gibson who was batting aggressively. The score moved to 31 off 8 overs before Gibson also played at one early hitting it to midwicket for a well played 23.
 
This brought Larsen to the crease and a dour period of the game, Weirs bringing on their slow bowlers which made it incredibly difficult to score. Both batsmen stuck in and got whatever runs were available. Larsen then tried to break the shackles by hitting experienced spinner Ziggy Young out of the park in the 22nd over and got caught with the score on 62.
 
Kishore then tried to put some energy and momentum into the innings by quick running between the wickets and placing the ball into gaps before trying one too many improvised shot and getting bowled in the 29th over. This wicket brought a middle order collapse with Shah, Holmes, Whalen and Muir all going in quick succession, the latter for a very well made 48. This left the score on 114 for 8.
 
The biggest partnership of the innings then followed, Marscheider and Heron which accumulating 43 runs as Marscheider played the most mature innings of the summer until he was eventually out for 25 in the 49th over with the score on 157. The innings ended with Moss adjudged quite rightly lbw for 1. Heron was not out for very well made 24 and the DMPS Saints final score was 164.
 
DMPS Saints then went out into the field knowing they had put a competitive total on the board. Larsen and Gibson bowled very well without much luck in their opening spells. Brockwell and Marscheider also bowled well without much luck until Marscheider got the first breakthrough on 76, bowling Ashraf for 21. The very next over Brockwell got one to keep low and trapped Weirs professional Du Plessis lbw for 0.
 
Tom Holmes was introduced into the attack knowing if he bowled the right line and length this was the perfect pitch for him. Holmes duly dismissed danger man Murray with a very good slower ball for a very good 59 to make it 106 for 3 but Weirs were very much in command at this stage. Larsen then got rid of Reddy lbw for 19.
 
After this the Weirs batting line up crumbled, Holmes and Gibson picking up the last six wickets for just 32 runs aided by some aggressive fielding, and somewhat egged on by the good natured but vocal home crowd. Gibson took two wickets and Holmes got a very well deserved five-for.
 
This was a big win for DMPS St Michael's and a great team performance beating a team in the league above them and setting up a game against local rivals Dumfries this coming Sunday at Nunholm, where once again the SNCL side will be strong favourites.
 
The Allianz Insurance Man of the Match went to Tom Holmes for his match winning spell of 5 for 29.
 
DMPS Saint Michael's CC: 164 all out (D. Muir 48, R. Marscheider 25, D. Heron 24 no ; S Els 10-1-29-3, M Gilchrist 9-0-32-3)

Weirs CC: 143 all out (R. Murray 59 ; T. Holmes 7-0-29-5, J. Gibson 8-1-27-2, C Larsen 8-2-15-1)

06/07/11

Another Quick Victory

DMPS St Michael's Cricket Club travelled to picturesque Gatehouse of Fleet last Saturday to play local rivals Galloway CC with a view to maintaining their 100% record in the WDCU Premiership.

On the best day since late April – has summer truly arrived? - Saints old boy and current Galloway captain Pat Druce won the toss and surprised everyone by choosing to bat, on what initially looked like a bowler friendly pitch.

Four overs into the match Druce was adjudged lbw from the bowling of Larsen without scoring to give DMPS Saints their first wicket. An over later two more wickets had fallen, Joseph bowled by Gibson for 6 and talented youngster Conn run out without scoring from a Heron direct hit.

Hullat and Bradley began to repair the damage with a solid partnership until the younger partner played a poor shot and was caught for 12 runs at mid on off the ever economical bowling of Rankine. An over later Bradley joined his teammate in the shed having been bowled round his legs by Brockwell, again for 12. This left Galloway struggling on 49-5 off 18 overs.

It took another six overs before Saints took their next wicket, Gorman bowled by Brockwell without troubling the scorers. At the other end, Carson, another quality Galloway prospect, was constructing a commendable innings while those around him struggled with the conditions and the varied DMPS Saints bowling attack.

Ross Marscheider continued his recent return to form with the ball, claiming Davis-Thorpe lbw and bowling Penrose for two quick wickets. Foster was enjoying his return to his old home ground and got in on the act to dismiss the impressive Carson lbw for a solid 16.

Larsen was brought back into the attack and took only two balls to bowl Murphy for 3 and wrap up the Galloway innings for a total of 88.

On the face of it bowling a team out for this score looks admirable, but the Saints team gave away 33 extras and a few of the players seemed to have their minds on fixed and potential fixtures rather than on the here and now. Before going back into the pavilion, everyone was reminded that this is not acceptable.

When DMPS Saints went out to bat, they were welcomed with the sight of Pat Druce rolling back the years and bowling a hostile spell – the best bowler faced this year according to Saints Kiwi opening bat Jamie Gibson. On a very docile pitch, the old war horse showed he still has plenty left in the tank at this level, claiming Brockwell lbw for 18 for which the latter had no complaints.

Unfortunately for Druce none of the other Galloway bowlers provided any cutting edge and Gibson and Muir plundered the bowling in quick fashion. Gibson produced another dominant innings but it was Muir who took control of the game, smashing the ball to all parts.

When Saints passed the winning post in a mere 17 overs, Gibson had reached an undefeated 28 and Muir had also carried his bat for 34. Muir's massive six over mid on, where the ball is still being looked for in the Galloway Forest was the shot of the day as far as the visitors were concerned.

It was good to see the batsman take responsibility and provide a more polished performance than had been shown in the field. This was another important win towards DMPS Saints ambitions of challenging for the WDCU Premiership title and competing with the big boys in the SCU Trophy.

Thanks go to the Galloway side for their kind hospitality, in the shape of a barbecue and a few beers in the Scottish sunshine, a great way to enjoy the end of a game of cricket.

The John Walker & Son Man of the Match award went to Duncan Muir for his explosive innings.

Scores:

Galloway CC: 88 all out (R. Carson 16 ; J. Gibson 5-0-22-1, C. Larsen 4.2-0-15-2, C. Brockwell 8-4-12-2, D.Rankine 6-2-6-1, R. Marscheider 6-0-17-2, C.Foster 4-1-8-1)

DMPS St Michael's CC: 89-1 (D. Muir 34 no, J. Gibson 28 no P. Druce 6-1-20-1)

06/07/11

Gibson Steers DMPS Saints to Victory

DMPS St Michael's Cricket Club travelled to Irvine last Saturday firstly in the hope of actually completing a game of cricket without the rain claiming another victim and secondly, determined to maintain their 100% record for the season.

On arrival the weather conditions were damp and on inspection the wicket looked like an old mattress, soft and bumpy. Saints lost the toss and were asked not surprisingly to bat. It was felt that a score somewhere in the region of 180-200 posted in the first innings would be very competitive considering the bowling Saints had at their disposal on the day.

Six overs into their innings, DMPS Saints lost their first wicket. Gibson and Brockwell had smashed the hosts opening attack to all parts when they persisted to bowl too short, and when the latter was dismissed for 21 after missing a leg stump half volley, DMPS Saints total had raced on to 47.

Muir was the next batsman to the crease and had three scoring shots including a boundary and maximum until he was adjudged lbw – correctly according to 10 of the 11 Saints players! – having scored 13.

Larsen then joined Gibson in the middle and the Kiwi pair proved that they can play on a featherbed in the lovely Scottish rain, putting together the biggest and best partnership of the day worth 154 runs. It was particularly pleasing for both New Zealanders and their teammates to see Gibson reach his maiden Scottish century and Larsen reach his first half century while together in the middle.

Following a short break for rain, Larsen was eventually out, again lbw, for an extremely important 62 runs. This brought Kishore to the fold with the instruction of getting the side up to a minimum 288 runs from the 48 overs that would constitute the DMPS Saints innings.

Some big hitting and superb running between the wickets from both batsmen, saw the Saints total reach 291 with Kishore contributing an undefeated 15. This was a tremendous team effort, where the need for building partnerships was responsibly met by all the batsmen.

The outstanding performance was that of Gibson with a faultless 160 not out which included twelve fouurs and two sixes. The young Kiwi deserved all the praise he received from his teammates as he carried his bat and should be thoroughly proud of his contribution.

With a score in the region of 90 runs above par, DMPS Saints took to the field in confident mood, but at the same time respectful of the home side that included two South Africans, one of which attends his national academy.

28.4 overs later Saints had completed a comprehensive victory over their hosts, winning by a margin of 203 runs. Irvine's batsmen struggled with the accuracy and variety of the DMPS Saints attack and five successful catches. South African pro Avantour looked a class act who obviously would benefit from batting on a good track every week and contributed the highest score of 32.

Larsen bowled his usual miserly line and length and used the conditions to full advantage, claiming three of the first four wickets. The Milkman's Son had a big hand in the fourth Irvine dismissal with a great throw and run out from square leg.

Brockwell bowled a tight spell claiming a single wicket with the deadly full-bunger, while following his batting exploits the quickly fading Gibson also claimed one victim.

Marscheider and Foster got in on the act with two wickets apiece, Marscheider getting back to best with some good rhythm in his spell and Foster following Brockwell's example to entice batsmen to hit full tosses straight to fielders and wrap up the Irvine innings on 88.

The only bowler not to claim a wicket was the evergreen Rankine, which was surprising considering the strip looked perfect for the eco-warrior. However, nobody would bet on Rankine not taking wickets at Galloway next week.

It is no surprise to anyone that the hat-trick of consecutive Man of the Match awards went to Jamie Gibson for his undefeated maiden Scottish century of 160, this week kindly sponsored by Alan Cringean Guitars.

Despite the frustrating weather so far this season, the players are getting the rewards they deserve for the hard work they put in at training with both bat, ball and in the field. DMPS Saints are still top of the table but will need to continue to put in the preparation this week in order to overcome local rivals Galloway, who will no doubt be looking for revenge for their 193 run April defeat on Saturday.

Scores: DMPS St Michael's CC: 291-3 (J. Gibson 160no, C. Larsen 62, C Brockwell 21, A. Kishore 15no) : Irvine: 88 all out (S Avantour 32. C. Larsen 6-4-15-3, D.Rankine 5-1-21-0, J. Gibson 5-1-12-1, C. Brockwell 6-2-17-1, R. Marscheider 4-1-10-2, C.Foster 2.4-0-11-2)

27/06/11

Saints Get Out of Jail Free

DMPS St Michael's Cricket Club hosted top of the table rivals Prestwick CC on what started as a beautiful sunny day but quickly deteriorated into a shocking wet Saturday that is typifying the 2011 season so far.

The start of the game was delayed by 50 minutes and when the Prestwick skipper Pitt won the toss it was no surprise to anyone when he asked Saints to bat. DMPS Saints innings was to consist of 43 overs, with Prestwick's lemgth of innings determined by how much time was left for them to complete their innings by 8.10 p.m.

These rules give a huge advantage to the side batting second, as run rate alone takes no calculation into account for wickets in hand. Had Saints won the toss, they would have done exactly the same as Prestwick and tried to maximise every advantage. In a normal 50 over a side game in these conditions, it was felt that a total of 180 would have been very competitive.

Prestwick's decision to take the field started to pay off after only seven balls, when DMPS Saints lost their first wicket, Brockwell lbw to a "grubber" without scoring.

Larsen joined his countryman Gibson at the wicket and the partnership that they began to build, soon changed the mood in both camps. Despite having to come off several times due to rain, the Kiwi pair put on 88 invaluable runs and when Larsen was adjudged lbw he had scored an excellent 29 runs.

While trying to increase the rate nearer to 5 an over, the Saints middle order pressed the self destruct button. Muir, Kishore, Heron and Marscheider collectively scored only a single run, while Farrukh Shah gave his wicket away when looking good again on 13.

Club stalwart/curmudgeon McKirdle joined Gibson at the wicket and showed all of his experience as a partnership of over 30 developed. McKirdle was then bowled for 11, and when Gibson tried to score some quick runs at the end of the innings was eventually caught at mid off for a superb knock of 84.

When Rankine was lbw in the penultimate over, DMPS Saints had been dismissed for 158. Within 5 minutes of the end of the first innings at 6.40 p.m., everyone was shaking hands as Prestwick did not have sufficient time to complete an innings by the 8.10 p.m. cut off point in the persistent rain.

This was a bit of a relief for the Saints camp as due to League rules, Prestwick had been set a target of a mere 78 runs in 21 overs to win as long as they were not completely dismissed.

In a good natured , but at the same time competitive match, everyone agreed that for rain affected matches the team batting second has all the advantages, so in that sense, DMPS Saints will be the happier of the two sides.

13/06/11

DMPS Saints Continue Winning Ways

DMPS St Michael's Cricket Club travelled to Glasgow to face GHK last Saturday and despite a severe delay in starting the game, Saints left the big smoke earlier than expected with a well-deserved win that keeps the side at the top of the WDCU Premiership table.

The prospect of a delayed start was always on the cards as GHK school 1st X1 had a fixture in the morning. The schoolboy game took five hours to complete and when DMPS Saints having lost the toss took to the field at 2.30 p.m., everyone was quite frustrated with the late start.

To the credit of the Saints side, they took this frustration out on the home side's batsmen on the same strip that had just had 60 overs played on it. It wasn’t long before DMPS Saints claimed their first victim, when Gibson had Smillie plumb lbw in the second over. In the fifth over Larsen claimed his first wicket, clean bowling MacKay who didn’t trouble the scorers either.

The Kiwi double act continued to constantly trouble the GHK batsmen on a regular basis with Larsen especially unlucky not to add to his tally, but it was only when Brockwell got the ball in his hands that Saints took the third wicket of the day. Brockwell had Kirk sharply caught by Muir behind the stumps for 12. At this point GHK were struggling on 15 for 3.

Ross Marscheider got in on the act in his first over claiming S Ahmed with a beautifully crafted full bunger which the batsmen hit straight to Brockwell at mid-on! The next batsman to be dismissed was M Ahmed who smashed a quick and entertaining 18 and was caught at gully by Heron, again off the bowling of Marscheider. However, Ahmed's efforts were sullied in the eyes of many, when it appeared he had gloved one to the keeper, started to walk off, changed his mind and, returning to the crease stood his ground. All the DMPS Saints players were disappointed by his actions and equally surprised that he was given not out.

Marscheider claimed his third and final victim, bowling Iqbal for 1, leaving GHK on a measly 43 for 6 from 18 overs.

New recruit Tom Holmes, despite a nervous start began to hit a good line and length. He was fully rewarded when he clean bowled GHK's best batsman of the day Rana for 18. Gibson was reintroduced to the bowling and this paid off straight away with two wickets in a single over to leave the home side in tatters on 59 for 9 in half their allotted overs.

It was left to debutant Holmes to finish off any GHK resistance, again clean bowling the batsman, this time opposition skipper Anjum. Everyone at the club feels that these wickets could be the first of many for Saints from such a talented young prospect.

GHK had been dismissed on their home strip for a paltry 64 and the bowling performance was simply excellent, ably backed up by the ground fielding and catching. All five bowlers bowled full and straight with the work being done at training starting to pay off as only nine extras were given to the opposition, the best performance of the season so far.

A quick tea was taken and DMPS Saints sent out openers Brockwell and Gibson with the instruction of taking their time, knock off the runs, and give the opposition nothing from the game.

Eleven overs later both batsmen having gained valuable time in the middle, returned unbeaten, Brockwell on 29 not out and Gibson 28 not out with 12 points for outright victory comprehensively in the bag.

This was an important win for DMPS Saints as it maintains the momentum they have built up with four straight wins so far in the 2011 season. It is hoped that the side can carry this level of performance into a very important weekend with a top of the table clash versus Prestwick on Saturday and a SCU Trophy game on Sunday against National League side Freuchie on Sunday. Both games at Kingholm Park.

The Shed, Annan Man of the Match award went to Jamie Gibson for his excellent bowling spell with three wickets and 28 not out with the bat.

GHK – 64 all out: M. Ahmed 18, B. Rana 13. C. Larsen 6-3-12-1, J. Gibson 7-4-3-3, C. Brockwell 7-5-4-1, R. Marscheider 4-0-32-3, T. Holmes 1.4-0-11-2.

DMPS St Michael's CC – 65-0: C. Brockwell 29 not out, J. Gibson 28 not out.

06/06/11

DMPS Saints Defeat Helensburgh and The Weather

In the only fixture to be completed in the WDCU Premiership last Saturday, DMPS St Michael's Cricket Club comprehensively defeated Helensburgh CC to maintain their challenge at the top of the table.

On a day when the weather was expected to play a massive part, winning the toss was going to be a huge advantage. Heavy road works on the M74 meant that opposition arrived after the designated 12.45 p.m. cut off, so Saints were deemed to have won the toss and asked the weary Helensburgh team to bat.

In the first over Helensburgh took six runs off opening bowler Corey Larsen and the prospect of good match looked a real possibility. However, when Jamie Gibson took the first wicket with his third delivery, it was the beginning of the end of the match as a competition.

Larsen dismissed danger man Sawyer in his second over. A direct hit dismissed Lewis run out in the over after, and then Gibson took two further wickets to leave the visitors in real trouble on 9-5.

With heavy rain awaited at any minute Saints expected the remaining Helensburgh batsmen to shut up shop and and hope to see the game abandoned. However, accurate bowling and some wayward shots saw five more batsmen dismissed for a mere 19 runs. Derek Rankine took three wickets in a great spell and Brockwell picked up the remaining two, leaving Helensburgh all out for 28 in only the 15th over.

A quick turnaround by DMPS Saints saw Brockwell return to his opening berth together with designated pinch hitter Farrukh Shah.

Two overs and two balls later Saints sealed victory with Brockwell crashing a no-ball for four through the covers to give Saints 12 points for the win. However, Farrukh took the batting plaudits smashing both openers round the park in an ultra-quick 23 not out.

Weather permitting, next week brings the visit of Hillhead CC, led by well-known overseas player Sachin Chaudrey to Kingholm Park, when it is anticipated that DMPS Saints will face their toughest challenge of the 2011 season so far.

The J Walker & Son Man of the Match award went to Derek Rankine for his quality spell that quickly killed off the opposition.

Scores

Helensburgh CC: 28 all out. C. Larsen 5-1-10-1, J. Gibson 5-2-8-3, D.Rankine 2.3-0-2-3, C. Brockwell 2-0-5-2.

DMPS St Michael's CC: 33-0. F. Shah 23 no, C. Brockwell 7 no.

24/05/11

DMPS Saints Thrash Kilmarnock

DMPS St Michael's Cricket Club travelled last Saturday to Kilmarnock on an overcast day hoping to pick up the maximum 12 points available for a win and stay in contention at the top of the WDCU Premiership. Following the demolition of Kilmarnock the Saints players were heading home after only two hours.

Saints won the toss and chose to bowl on what can only be politely described as a green bowler-friendly track.

The game was effectively over as a competition three overs later as the Kiwi assassins, Larsen and Gibson ripped out the top four Kilmarnock batsmen for a mere four runs, none of them off the bat! Gibson got his third and final wicket an over later to leave Kilmarnock in the mire on 12-5.

The bowling attack was appropriately rotated. First, Marscheider and Zaheer Abbas bowled with better rhythm this week and both were unlucky not to pick up any wickets. Next it was the turn of Foster and the returning prodigal son Brockwell, Foster picking up two wickets in an over (then getting taken off!) and Brockwell producing one of the balls of the season so far to dismiss Nimbley.

Having trudged from fine leg to fine leg it was the turn of club stalwart and eco-warrior Derek Rankine to bowl with Kilmarnock eight down for 44 runs. It took "Swampy" only two deliveries to wrap up the hosts' innings.

Although not the best opposition seen so far this season, the DMPS Saints bowlers acquitted themselves well, bowling tight disciplined lines, which they will need to continue throughout the season. Particular credit must also go to the returning Farrukh Abbas for some excellent keeping on a very difficult pitch.

Saints switched that batting order around to give some key players time in the middle and knock the runs off quickly so the impending wet weather could not have an impact on the result.

Gibson and Farrukh strode to the wicket and it was the latter who decided that attack was the order of the day despatching the evergreen Pasha over mid off for a maximum in just the third over. Farrukh continued to play aggressively and was unlucky to be the only Saints wicket to fall when Pasha got his revenge, appearing like magic – or perhaps out of the warmth of one of the cars – at deep mid on to pouch a catch from the bowling of Raine.

It was left to Brockwell to score the winning run to give DMPS Saints a very comfortable win and with it the 12 points that will keep them at the top of the table.

Next week brings the visit of Helensburgh CC to Kingholm Park, where it is hoped with some hard work and preparation at training this week, the side can maintain their 100% record with a win and confirm their credentials as genuine title challengers this year.

The Troqueer Garage Man of the Match award went to Farrukh Abbas for his superb glovework and attacking innings of 27.

17/05/11

DMPS Saints Frustrated By Rain

DMPS St Michael's travelled to Glasgow last Saturday to play an Academicals side that were high on confidence having thrashed Helensburgh the week before. Unfortunately, the only winner on the day was the wet weather that saw the game abandoned after only 25 overs.

At the start of the day, Saints won the toss and chose to bowl on a wicket that, although hard, looked like it had something in it for the bowlers. Opening bowlers Larsen and Marscheider produced two quite different opening spells. Whilst Larsen produced accurate and dangerous deliveries that continually troubled all the batsmen, Marscheider didn't.

Larsen picked up two wickets for the loss of only eight runs in his five over spell, while change bowlers Gibson and Foster picked up a single wicket each. New recruit Zaheer Navqi bowled well in his first spell for the club, conceding only nine runs in his four over spell, and was unlucky not to have Dawson caught behind.

When the game was finally abandoned in the 25th over, Glasgow Accies had moved on to 92-4. The game was in the balance at this stage and a good game was in prospect, but Saints will feel they let their hosts off the hook too many times with some wayward and undisciplined bowling just when the pressure should have been stepped up.

DMPS Saints travel to Kilmarnock this Saturday, buoyed by the return of last years player of the year Chris Brockwell, who will be looking to help the side secure their second win of the season and maintain their 100% record.

Score

Glasgow Accies: 92-4: Dawson 18, Andrew 16. Larsen 5-3-8-2, Marscheider 5-0-34-0, Foster 5-1-19-1, Gibson 6-0-21-1, Navqi 4-1-9-0.

15/05/11

Comprehensive Derby Victory

Last Saturday DMPS St Michael's Cricket Club played hosts to local rivals Galloway in the first game of the 2011 WDCU Premiership season and ran out comprehensive winners.

On a belting track on the new Kingholm square, Saints skipper Heron had no hesitation in batting first on winning the toss.

DMPS Saints old boy Druce and talented youngster Conn opened the bowling for Galloway and used what small amount of early movement there was, making scoring difficult for the Saints' openers.

Heron and Gibson seemed to have weathered the early storm, when in the fifth over Gibson was harshly adjudged lbw off the bowling of Druce when it was clear to many that the Kiwi had hit the ball before it cannoned into his pads.

What was to follow was the partnership of the day as Heron and Muir amassed 184 runs in one of the biggest partnerships in the club's illustrious history between two home-grown players. When Muir was eventually dismissed for a superb 65, the Saints' total had moved on to a considerable 203-2 in the 42nd over.

Corey Larsen came to the crease and played aggressively, increasing the run rate just at the right time, adding 36 quick runs in just five overs. When Larsen was dismissed, with DMPS Saints on 244, Kishore picked up the quick scoring rate baton to help the side finish on 287-3 off their allotted 50 overs, one maximum over midwicket off Druce being the highlight.

Skipper Heron batted the full 50 overs, scoring a career best 125 not out and Kishore was also unbeaten on 12 not out.

With such a large score on the board, DMPS Saints could afford to set attacking fielding positions and this paid off early, as Larsen ripped through the Galloway top order, taking three wickets in the first five overs.

At the other end, Gibson was constantly troubling the batsmen without getting any reward. After ten overs, Galloway were languishing on 21-3.

Change bowlers Foster and Chaudrey bowled economically following the instructions of their skipper and while not taking wickets kept the opposition run-rate well below what was required.

When Larsen was introduced back into the attack in the 23rd over it paid immediate dividends, as two more quick wickets fell, most importantly that of Druce for a commendable 55. Galloway were now struggling on 90-5. Fellow Kiwi Gibson also returned to copy his Wellington mate, deservedly taking two quick wickets in his return over, then his third and final wicket in the next over.

Chaudrey then took his first two wickets for DMPS Saints ending the Galloway innings on 94, securing the home side a 193 run victory and more importantly, 12 League points for a win.

This was an important confidence building win for the home side. It is hoped that the side can carry this level of performance into the next league game, a difficult away fixture against Glasgow Accies this coming Saturday.

The A C Eggleton & Co Ltd Man of the Match award went to Saints' skipper Derek Heron for his and the team's maiden century of the season.

St Michael's Cricket Club Website by Colin Taylor

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