Saints make it two wins on bounce

ST Michael’s picked up their second win of the season edging out East Renfrewshire at Kingholm Park.

After winning the toss St Michael’s skipper Reece McNay elected to bowl first, a decision that proved to be smart early on.

St Michael’s bowlers kept things tight, keeping the score to 65-4 when drinks were taken at 25 overs, with all four bowlers each picking up a wicket.

However, East Renfrewshire fought back and ensured they put on a competitive total, led by Abadeen with 28 who was supported by other batters lifting the score. Ross Dalling picked up his first wicket of the season in style, sending the off-stump cartwheeling to take the score to 84-5.

Abadeen was eventually bowled by the returning Reece Thompson to make it 115-6. Fourie and Dalling continued on from Thompson’s good form with the ball, eventually picking up the final two wickets.

Despite the strong bowling, Saints were left frustrated by several dropped chances, with East Renfrewshire finishing on 149. Chasing 150, Saints put themselves under serious pressure early, with the top four batters collapsing to 34-4.

However, Thompson picked up the game by the scruff of the neck, forming partnerships with Fourie and Rory Macleod before eventually being caught out for 100-7.

Macleod, Kieran Moore and Dalling swung momentum back towards Saints, before youngster Oscar McNay sealed the deal, blocked out nine deliveries, allowing Dalling to score the winning runs and guide Saints’ home.

Saints travel to fellow promotion hopefuls Irvine next week for their first away game of the season.