Not enough runs as Minch make it over the line

Interesting topography at Bramley Road, quite an up-slope at one end and though there was feeble rain around, the game was never in doubt and equally no doubts that the Old Minch skipper would opt to bowl under cloudy skies.

As has so often been the case the openers struggled, and while Leo Davis dug in for the long haul, as was only correct after coming in at 0-1, it was the middle order which gave the Ridge score a thin veneer of respectability.

Sameen Khan stayed in for long enough to essay some trademark big booming hits, and he and Rishab (a real bright spark this season) rebuilt the innings from 24-4. This partnership (Sameen 24), and the next, skipper Ahsan (20) and Rishab, were the only ones of any substance at all. Rishab played superbly again in making 39 against a very experienced bowling line-up and looking at it unselfishly must be the next cab off the rank for a 2s batting spot.

Sadly the tail did the opposite of wagging and a Watford Town-esque collapse from 111-5 to 119 all out followed, and disappointingly we failed to use our allotted 45 overs, being bowled out in 41.5.

Josh bowled with pace and no little skill and soon removed opener Agarwal for 0, yet another catch for George. However nos.1 and 3 played well and bided their time, though opener Rose in particular was very quick to seize on loose balls and put 'em away. Short sharp spells was definitely the order of the day, and with Steve still suffering from a calf problem, and thus below his best, it fell to Eklavya (9 overs for 12) and Avi (9 overs for 24) to keep it tight while Josh provided the penetration. He deservedly picked up 3 for 17 from his 9, removing 3 of the top 4, with a sharp low catch from Leo the highlight.

We did our best to keep it tight but the lack of a competitive total and the overs the Minch batsmen had enabled them to bide their time and get home in the 40th over.

The near-total reliance on the middle order to get our runs and the absence of wicket-taking support for Josh have to be addressed if we're going to continue to be in the promotion race - and we've got the top team next week!