Dry Defeat

After the 1sts' win over Edinburgh on Saturday (see "Soggy Success" below), a combined 2nds/3rds took on Dunfermline Wanderers, our frequent pre-season opponents of recent years, on Sunday.

Despite a beautiful, warm, sunny afternoon, the Arbo pitch was still damp and lively from the previous week's rain and some surprisingly accurate bowling from both attacks demanded considerable concentration from the batsmen.

For the Cross only Irfan really responded with a patient 35 in what at first seemed a very sub-par 102 all out off the last ball. But after another good opening spell from Usama, the spinners pulled us back into the game, as Abdul got a couple of wickets in a miserly spell and JB three in a rather more generous one. With 10 needed and 8 wickets down, we were right back in it, but the Wanderers held their nerve and won with three overs to spare.

Many thanks to the Wanderers and their charming travelling support for a game played in a typically good spirit. Thanks too to Michael for stepping in at the last moment and congratulations to Shaun on his debut.