Saints take honours at Kingholm

LAST Sunday Pepe’s St Michael’s won by 121 runs as they played host to Victoria at Kingholm Park. They followed up their fine seven wicket win against Milngavie with another strong home performance, the rain affected match being determined by the Duckworth Lewis method. Saints were put into bat on a pitch where some water had got under the covers overnight but dried out sufficiently for the start to be delayed by only 15 minutes. Openers Adnan Manzoor and Kieran Moore batted steadily, but lost Moore (4) run out by a sharp piece of fielding and then Manzoor (10) caught by the wicket keeper, the score being 29 for 2. Reece McNay was then joined by Riley Coy, pictured, and the pair put on the match defining display with an exhilarating third wicket partnership of 180 runs. Both batters started cautiously against a decent Victoria bowling attack but judicious running between the wickets kept the score ticking over until both batsmen got into their stride. McNay’s best score of the season of 76 was characterised by some marvellous straight drives, while Coy who finished a tremendous 110 n.o. was strong on both sides of the wicket. Saints for the first time this season batted 50 overs, finishing 255 for 7, losing some late wickets in the quest for runs. The home team’s opening attack of the hostile Naseer Fazli and the accurate Moore bowled well in tandem with Victoria being 69 for 7 after 14 overs, Moore picking up a deserved 5 wickets and Fazli 2. With the later Victoria batsmen showing durability, and the forecasted rain closing in, Saints’ biggest concern was that 20 overs of the away side’s innings would be completed before Duckworth Lewis came into effect. Fortunately for them, the rain did not get too heavy until the 25th over with Victoria on 103 for 8 when play was terminated with Saints deserved winners. Performances of the day were Riley Coy with his 110 n.o. and Kieran Moore with his five wicket haul. Thanks to ball sponsor ARC Computer Support. This Saturday Pepe’s St Michael’s play East Renfrewshire at Giffnock, while Green’s 2s Kingholm xl are at home to Alps at Kingholm Park, 12 pm start.