SELKIRK managed to complete a quick victory over Grange III in Saturday’s East League Division 3 match in the wind and rain at Philiphaugh.
The captains agreed to reduce the game to 30 overs, in the expectation players would be spending some time taking cover in the pavilion. However, both teams played through the lighter showers and the pitch stood up well to a couple of heavy downpours.
Selkirk won the toss and elected to bowl, but found wickets hard to come by. Daniel Heard opened with four excellent maidens, but ultimately went wicket-less for the first time this season.
There were few chances early on, and it took a rash decision by Docherty (8) to bring the first wicket. The opener called for a run to a ball he hit straight to Kieran Toor at point, and was stranded half-way down the wicket when Greg Fenton removed the bails.
Progress was slow but Chatt (14) looked in touch, especially cutting off the back foot, and he and Pretty (22) gave few chances.
Adam Murphy eventually removed Chatt with the score on 35. Pretty was then joined at the crease by visiting skipper Olly Davies, and both played solid shots for little reward in the wet outfield.
Greg Fenton (2-7) replaced Paterson coming down the hill and took two wickets in consecutive overs.
At 53-4 and with 11 overs to come, Grange III were hopeful of passing the 100-mark. However, when Davies (21) fell to Michael Fenton the visitors couldn’t keep the scoreboard ticking over and finished on a total of 86.
There have been lower unsuccessful run chases at Philiphaugh but, outside a first ball duck for vice-captain Kenny Paterson, Selkirk took control from this point onwards.
When Michael Fenton drove his second ball to the long-off boundary it was clear he was in the mood. This attacking mind-set was mirrored by younger brother Greg, who played the shot of the day with a straight drive to the boundary wall.
Other than a bungled run-out opportunity, the pair gave no clear chances, and when play was halted by a heavy downpour, the home team were 64 for one after 11 overs.
The match resumed 10 minutes later, and soon afterwards Michael Fenton (40no) steered the ball down to the rugby club fence for a pushed 3 to win the game, leaving brother Greg at the other end on 44 not out.
This was the third league victory in a row for Selkirk, and with the Common Riding sports being staged on the field next week, Selkirk travel to face Heriots III at Goldenacre this Sunday hoping to make it four.
