SELKIRK kicked off the new season with a record-breaking run chase at Philiphaugh to defeat Marchmont II by six wickets in the clubs’ East League Division 3 fixture.
It looked an unlikely win at the close of the first innings, with Marchmont posting a total of 176 for six on a damp wicket and slow outfield.
Collier (79) was in imperious form, thumping five glorious 6s, the pick being a flick off the pads to the rugby field fence. He was ably assisted by Chetty (43), who nurdled and sliced his way to a fair share of their 109 partnership.
Some late wickets improved Selkirk’s bowling figures, with Dan Heard (3-37) the pick of the bunch. While there were a handful of dropped catches, the ones that did get taken proved vital at the end of the visitors’ innings – a one-handed wonder catch from Bob Wilkinson at deep mid-off shifting the match’s momentum.
Steady rain continued to fall over the tea break and looked likely to disrupt the game. However, the Edinburgh side were understandably confident of getting a positive result and play resumed in the trying conditions.
Michael Fenton, standing in as captain for his brother Greg, began steadily and didn’t flinch when losing his opening partner. In came Ian Gardiner, elevated to No.3, and the two batsmen put their heads down to ensure the home team’s score kept pace with visitors’.
It looked increasingly likely the pair would see out the innings, scoring off almost every bad ball. Fenton duly notched his half-century, with Gardiner understandably devastated to be dismissed for 30, just two runs short of a century partnership.
Fenton continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over, and received good support from Bob Wilkinson, who showed intent by sending his first legal delivery to the boundary for four.
Marchmont’s fielders were having as much trouble with the wet ball and tricky underfoot conditions as their hosts had, spilling several catches and being dogged by misfields.
The game was finely poised when Fenton was bowled for 75 by Alfie Hall (2-34. However, when Blaine Gillie joined Wilkinson the pair continued to score with little difficulty, and it was Gillie who hit the winning run with a pull shot to the leg side.
Selkirk travel to Haddington this coming Saturday, where they will hope to back up this excellent opening victory – their highest run chase at Philiphaugh in 10 years of East of Scotland league cricket.
Thanks to our match sponsor Karen Graham.