DESPITE a downpour during the tea interval, Selkirk’s cricketers managed to keep their powder dry long enough to record a 90-run victory over Melrose in Saturday’s East League Division 3 match at Philiphaugh.
The highlight of a contest played throughout in blustery conditions, was the maiden century scored by Selkirk’s Rory Banks, who finished on 103 not out.
His patient knock included one six and 12 fours, and was the second century scored by a Selkirk player in the past three days – Michael Fenton having hit 130 not out against St Boswells in a T20 game on Thursday.
At the close of their innings, Selkirk had reached 199-8, with Michael Fenton (25) and Kenny Paterson (22) lending solid support to Banks.
Elliot Compton (3-46) and the evergreen Callum Wilson (2-27) were the pick of Melrose’s bowlers.
Chasing such a large total was always going to be a big ask, and when both of the visitors’ openers departed cheaply, leaving the Huntlyburn side on 10-2, the writing looked to be on the wall.
Spirited knocks came from Josh Loftus (19), ex-Selkirk player David Playfair (17) and Callum Wilson (15 not out), with Melrose eventually dismissed for 109 in the 36th over.
Three Selkirk bowlers each took a brace of wickets – Rory Banks (2-9), Kenny Paterson (2-11) and Daniel Heard (2-29) – while no fewer than seven catches were pouched by the home fielders.
Prior to the game a minute’s silence was observed by both teams, in tribute to life-long Selkirk supporter George Oliver, who passed away on June 16. Fittingly the match winning wicket was taken by George’s grandson Blaine Gillie.
