Selkirk go into the second half of their East League Division 3 campaign emboldened by a powerful home performance against Haddington on Saturday.
Along with the sunshine came some form with the bat for the Souters – Rory Banks (103*) leading the way with his second century for the club. On a day when he should have been somewhere else, Banks was well rewarded for his commitment.
Having lost the toss Selkirk were asked to bat and Greg Fenton (21) and Kenny Paterson (26) started well. Paterson looked set and played some fine shots including three solid back-foot drives to the long-off boundary.
When Paterson was run out, Banks joined Michael Fenton at the crease with 69 runs already on the board.
Banks was playing because of a last-minute call-off, and took full advantage of the glorious conditions. Those watching will have noted some relief as Banks reached 50, following the disappointment of his falling one run short the previous week.
It was a nervous single to get there, but with this milestone passed the shackles came off as Banks let loose, taking 25 balls to reach three figures with a pulled shot to the midwicket boundary.
Banks gave chances, and Scott Logan will likely still feel the whistle of the ball through his hands at the long-on boundary.
At the other end was the in-form Michael Fenton (71*), and there were few dot balls in the latter overs for either batter as they completed an undefeated 170-run partnership. Although co-star on the day, Fenton will be happy to see that his score took him to the top of the batting list for Division 3.
Set 240 to win, the visitors were slow to get going but didn’t fall too far off the pace. However, wickets then began falling every few overs. Greg Fenton (2-19) and Blaine Gillie (3-17) shared the first four dismissal, including the important wickets of Callum Sholto-Douglas (23) and Scott Logan (20).
Having more than done his bit with the bat, Banks (4-28) almost had the perfect reward for his efforts when taking off the wicket-keeping gloves.
He took an early catch behind the stumps and took another himself off his own bowling to set up an entertaining finale. However, the Haddington number 11 defended the final three balls to see out the innings, 120 runs short.
Match report by Neil Gentleman, with photos by John Smail.