THE combined talents of former Scotland internationalists Gregor Maiden and Stuart Davidson ultimately proved too potent a mix for Selkirk at Philiphaugh on Saturday, although the home team didn’t go down without a fight.
Maiden hit a chanceless 49 before being smartly caught by home skipper Michael Fenton off the bowling of Rory Banks, while the introduction of Davidson (3-18) into the MCC bowling attack put an end to Selkirk’s hopes of staging a late recovery.
MCC eventually recorded a 41-run victory in the 35th over.
“It’s been wonderful returning to Philiphaugh,” said MCC captain Pete Deakin, “where we have again received the warmest of welcomes.
“The link between Selkirk and the MCC is now firmly established, and we hope some of our players can come back here in the summer holidays next year to hold a junior coaching clinic.”
That the match was able to go ahead at all was thanks to the efforts of the Selkirk ground care team, in particular Ronnie Dumma, who had worked tirelessly over several days to prepare the wicket.
Batting first, the MCC openers found themselves kept in check by some accurate bowling from Michael Fenton and Daniel Heard (1-34), aided by tight spells from guest players Luke Langmead (1-18) and Joe Gibson.
The visitors eventually gained the upper hand thanks to solid knocks from Maiden (49), Charlie Peet (40no) and Pete Deakin (36no). Selkirk did manage to take three late wickets through ex-Scotland player John Blain (2-9) and Rory Banks (1-13), with the MCC innings ending on 166-5.
In reply, Selkirk found MCC opening bowlers Freddie Peet (1-30) and Harry Waterson (2-13) a hot handful, but fruitful partnerships between guest Kelso player Jono Donnelly (56) and Rory Banks (19), then with John Blain (24no), helped steady the Souters’ ship.
Hopes of victory faded following the demise of Connelly, who had batted superbly for his half-century. Home wickets then tumbled in the face of the unerring accuracy of MCC pair Stuart Davidson (3-18) and George West (2-6), with Selkirk eventually all out for 125.
The match had been enjoyed by one of Selkirk’s biggest crowds of the season, and afterwards in the clubhouse short speeches were given by MCC team manager Andy Wilson and Selkirk captain Michael Fenton.
