Peni Dreadful - 2s Lose at Blustery Kirkhill

On a very blustery day with the odd sharp shower the ten men of the HX 2nds travelled to Kirkhill to take on Penicuik 2nds.

Having been skittled for 57 the week before, it was no surprise that we were put in. It was a surprise, however, when 'cuik opened with Hafiz's off-spin. He bowled an excellent spell (9-3-16-3) to leave us in trouble at 17 for 3, although both JB and BAF will feel they strangled themselves down the legside. Shifty rescued the innings with a very good 36 and Elmondt, recovering quickly from last week's dislocated finger, and Andy Donaldson biffed merrily. At 74 for 4 we began to dream of 140+, but good spells from Kingsbury (9-2-16-2) and Thomson (9-3-12-3) left us 104 all out.

Life after Strangulation - BAF and JB in the Kirkhill scorebox. Photo: Broon.

Gerry (9-5-17-3) and Elmondt (9-3-16-0) bowled very well and, with the help of a direct hit run out from Andy D to remove Hafiz without scoring, we had the opposition 15 for 3 and 26 for 4. There were a couple of tough early chances for another wicket, but by the time the 5th came Penicuik were almost two-thirds of the way home and Liddle (42 no) was settling in to a fine captain's knock. Smudger and, especially, JB failed to find the consistent line and length of the openers and Penicuik cantered home to win by 5 wickets with 17 overs remaining.

Thanks to Penicuik for a game played in the usual good spirits and for an excellent tea - hot pizza and sausage rolls were particularly welcome in the Arctic conditions that, if they don't stop soon, will come to define the 2015 season, but there were also some very fine cakes.