CRICKET — Inverclyde Earn Draw Against Kirkstyle

Kirkstyle 203 for 7 (8 pts)

Inverclyde 124 for 9 (2 pts)

INVERCLYDE held on for a creditable draw against undefeated league leaders Kirkstyle in their latest Western District Cricket Union Division Four match, played at Gourock Park.

Kirkstyle batted first on the damp wicket and Inverclyde’s Tom Watson got the early breakthrough when Johnstone was caught by David Mudie. Dhaliwal joined McLaren for a high scoring second-wicket partnership until he was bowled by Mudie for 59 in the 19th over.

Paul Singh then picked up two wickets, bowling Rice at 172 for 3, and then having Walsh caught behind by Cammy Gunn. Dhaliwal was eventually bowled by Inverclyde captain Gareth James for 85 at 195 for 5. Two further wickets fell in the last overs, another catch behind off James and a good run-out from Dave Cooke, before the vistors’ innings closed on 203 for 7 after 40 overs.

Singh took 2 for 29, James 2 for 42, Watson 1 for 14 in an economical eight overs and Mudie 1 for 59. Inverclyde had a disappointing start to their reply to the challenging total with their top three batsmen being dismissed early in the innings, with the home side at 28 for 3 after nine overs. James and Mudie recovered to 67 when James was caught for 24, and then Mudie was bowled for 13 by returning opening bowler Dearie.

Scott Campbell batted well for 28 until he was caught and bowled by Hurford, who took four wickets as the Kilmarnock side looked to secure the victory but good defensive batting at the close by Singh and Craig Watson secured the draw for Inverclyde as the innings closed at 124 for 9.

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Practices continue for seniors and juniors at Gourock Park at 6pm on Tuesdays