CRICKET — Inverclyde Climb After Victory
Dave Cooke and Chris Dick
Gatehouse 182 for 7
Inverclyde 185 for 3
INVERCLYDE succeeded in another impressive run chase, away to sixth-placed Gatehouse on Saturday, and moved up two places in Western District Cricket Union Division Four to fifth spot with Kirkstyle losing away to Bees.
The match was played on Gatehouse’s artificial wicket after heavy rain on Friday and, with Inverclyde’s batsmen performing well this season, plus having the option to play for draw points if required, captain Dave Cooke elected to bowl first to hopefully then chase down the target.
The home side’s opening batsmen started well, although they were taking chances with some lofted drives not going initially to hand, but David Bruce’s quicker ball bowled Thomson at 25 for 1 in the fifth over. Tom Watson then had Stannus caught behind by Dave Mudie in the eighth over and Inverclyde were in the driving seat. However Gatehouse captain Cooper and Martin put together a good partnership, helped by some uncharacteristically poor fielding from the visitors, until Inverclyde’s first change-bowler Chris Dick bowled Cooper for 26, then also bowled Martin for 40s.
Gatehouse had progressed to 95 for 4 after 20 overs, and Pagan settled in to protect the lower order but punish any poor deliveries when they arose. Scott Campbell had Hamblin caught at short extra cover by Watson for 12, and then Cammy Gunn’s slower ball gave Mudie the stumping to dismiss Pagan who had put together an important innings of 60 for his side.
Douglas Pilkington then did some sharp work at square leg to run out Chalmers, and the Gatehouse innings closed at 182 for 7 after 40 overs. After a disappointing start, Dick found a good length and bowled well for his 2 for 47, with Watson, Gunn, Bruce and Campbell taking one wicket each.
Inverclyde’s opening batsmen have had a good season to date, Cooke and Gunn both being in the league top ten run scorers, and they set off in confident mood, with 30 runs from the first five overs. Pagan was bowling well, but lost his length after causing early problems, and the opening pair put on 121 in 21 overs before Cooke was well caught low down at point for 61.
Gunn had played the anchor role with his captain in good form, but after Cook’s dismissal he opened out and brought up his 50 with two fine boundaries. It was a surprise when his defensive shot popped up to be caught by the returning Pagan at 144 for 2 in 26 overs. Pagan then finished his spell with four further accurate overs. However David Thomson and Stuart Callison played well, picking up singles to keep the scoreboard moving, until Callison was bowled by Boyd.
Pilkington and Thomson saw Inverclyde through to a seven-wicket victory as Thomson hit three boundaries in the 37th over to finish on 28 not out.
Match Sponsor – Cardwell Inn
The final senior practice of the season takes place on Thursday at Gourock Park, 6.30 to 8pm
