Golden Afternoon at Goldenacre - Welsh and Jordan to the Fore as 2s Get Back to Winning Ways

With international tournaments causing problems for the Grange match secretary, our game against Grange 3s was switched to the second pitch at Heriots.

Goldenacre. Photo: Broon

On easily the nicest afternoon of the season so far Smudge, wearing a Gerry-tribute linen jacket, won the toss and put Grange in. With the Stags 32 for 3 after 12, thanks to an excellent spell from Dan (9-1-27-3) and some tight bowling from Elmo (7-1-23-0), it looked a very good decision.

But then we missed a couple of chances for the fourth wicket and a good stand of 96 began to develop between our old friend Akeel Aslam (23) and Ross Paterson. They had to be watchful at first, particularly as Dom (9-2-25-0) bowled very well. But as the change bowlers came on, Paterson began to accelerate, especially against JB who went at nearly 8 an over in a spell so horrible that it could almost have been an audition to join the England "attack" being flayed around Headingley by the Kiwis.

So it was as much a shock as a relief when Paterson's excellent innings (104 with 12 fours and 4 sixes) ended tamely, caught by Elmo at shortish midwicket off yet another JB full toss. But our pain wasn't over yet as Hay-Smith (50 no) took up the challenge and Grange scored at all but 7 an over off the last 10 to finish on 229 for 7.

Smudger spent tea muttering about "a 250 pitch", but when we were 11 for 2 after 7 overs, with both wickets falling to the aggressive Player (9-2-39-2), 229 looked like more than enough. Kidd (9-2-29-0) was typically testing, but a huge stand of 190 for the third wicket set up victory. JB (82) was the junior partner, dropped three times in an innings described by Smudge as "the scratchiest fifty I've ever seen him score". By marked contrast, TJ, who had earlier kept superbly and bowled a couple of overs to fill in after Elmo had had to visit A&E for the second time this season, was in great form from the beginning, cutting and pulling anything short with great power. His 92 was an excellent, match-winning innings.

Even with this foundation, we still needed 29 off the last five. Alex blootered two fours, Smudger scampered singles and Elmo, back from the hospital with his fingers glued up, padded up ready to enter the fray. In the penultimate over Dan smacked a couple of boundaries to complete a fine all-round game for him and an excellent victory for the ten men of the Cross. Seven balls to spare.

Thanks to Grange for an excellent game played in good spirits, some very good chat and a fine tea - thanks, too, for the loan of a fielder while Elmo was off. Finally, thanks to Heriots for their hospitality and a very good wicket.

Bacon sandwich - TJ (left) and Alex (right) celebrate victory at the Disco Chippie. Photo: Skip.