Despite a battling half-century by talented all-rounder Michael Fenton, Selkirk still came up short in Saturday’s East League Division 3 match against Marchmont 2 at Cavalry Park, falling to a 40-run defeat.
Selkirk won the toss and gave Marchmont first use of the wicket, and an early run-out saw the host club in trouble at 12-1. However, a 69-run partnership between Alex Bushell (33) and stylish left-hander Savan Panchal (44) then swung the game back Marchmont’s way, boosted by smart running between the wickets.
With three of their front-line bowlers unavailable, Selkirk found it difficult to make inroads into Marchmont’s top order – a sprinkling of dropped catches and the concession of 16 wides not helping their cause.
Selkirk’s bowlers had more luck towards the end of the home innings, skipper Greg Fenton (3-35), Shaun Wilkinson (2-35), Bob Wilkinson (1-39) and Gregor Borthwick (1-5) all picking up wickets.
At the end of their 40 overs, Marchmont 2 had reached 185-9.
In reply, Selkirk suffered an early setback when opener Greg Fenton was run out with the score on 13.
Kenny Paterson (22) and Michael Fenton (54) then set about repairing the damage, putting together a solid 75-run stand to keep the visitors’ hopes alive.
scoring 54 runs
Michael Fenton’s fine knock (which included five fours and two sixes), came to an unfortunate end when a ball from Akash Chatterjee cut back sharply and kept extremely low to send the bails flying.
Although Ewan Torrance (20) and Bob Wilkinson (12) tried hard to boost Selkirk’s flagging run rate, more wickets tumbled, leaving them needing 50 runs off the last five overs, and the final three wickets all fell in the 38th over with the score on 145.
Marchmont’s best bowlers were Saxena (3-36), Sachdeva (3-35) and Chatterjee (2-28).
The match was played in warm sunshine and in an excellent sporting spirit, and special mentions must go to Michael Gillie and Murray Marr, both called into the Selkirk side at late notice, and who both gave of their best.
This Saturday, June 28th, Selkirk will be hoping to have all their best players available for the visit to Philiphaugh of unbeaten league leaders Kirk Brae.
Match report and photos by John Smail.