Scotland Under 17s Continue Winning Run

Following their series victory over the Netherlands, Scotland under-17s switched to the 2-day format as they toured Herefordshire and Cumbria in the ECB Championships. After an epic journey in search of the cricket ground, the packed minibus eventually stumbled upon the picturesque Brockhampton Cricket Club, which despite the rain, was able to ensure a prompt start to proceedings. Winning the toss, Ross McLean asked the opposition to bat first on a wicket that looked seamer-friendly. Peter Ross soon made an impact as Henry Edwards took a sharp slip catch to remove the Herefordshire opener. However, the perfect start gave way to some ill-disciplined bowling, which allowed the home side’s wicket-keeping batsman, Morris, to bash a quick 46 until the introduction of spin halted his innings. A third wicket shortly before lunch left Scotland narrowly in the driving seat.

A more focused and thoughtful Scottish side took to the field immediately after lunch, looking to get through the Herefordshire middle-order. However, a defiant stand of 60 between Warwick and Barrett threatened to frustrate the Scottish bowling attack. Edwards and Scott Weir continued to bowl steadily and their patience was rewarded as a flurry of wickets before tea left Herefordshire struggling on 175-8. The innings was complete a few overs later as Edwards took his third and fourth wickets to finish with figures of 4-58 from his 23.4 overs.

A below par 197 looked to be well within Scotland’s reach and with about 20 overs of play available before stumps on day one, Ross McLean and Sam Page looked to set the tone for the innings with some positive batting. Unfortunately, Page was out early as he tickled one to the keeper. James Hearn and McLean added 47 in 53 balls before the introduction of spin accounted for Hearn. McLean and Nick Farrar nervously played out the last few overs to leave Scotland in a strong overnight position on 85-2.

The following day’s play was under threat of being wiped out by an ominous band of rain. After a delay of 45 minutes, a brief spell of clear weather allowed the Scots to resume their innings. McLean looked in delicious form as he continually buried some short-pitched bowling to the leg-side boundary. Farrar was unable to match his captain’s performance as he gave short leg some catching practice and was dismissed for just 16. McLean was joined at the crease by Scott Weir. A period of consolidation got the Scots up to 140-3 from 35 overs, but with the rain getting heavier, both batters took it upon themselves to speed up the run rate. McLean, having reached his 50 from 91 balls, played one big shot too many and departed for a solid 64. With the rain now lashing down, the umpires came off the field and early lunch was taken with Scotland agonisingly close to a victory.

Just as the rain seemed to be deciding the fate of the match, a momentary burst of sunshine gave Weir and keeper Matt Cross the chance to get beyond the Herefordshire total. Both asserted themselves on the opposition, and together they put on 79 in 60 balls to ensure a Scottish 1st innings win. Cross eventually holed out on 35 (31 balls; 5 fours; 2 sixes) and Weir followed on 66 (85 balls; 8 fours) and a few overs later, the match was abandoned.

Thanks to an impressive batting display, Scotland finished on 268-7, 71 runs ahead of Herefordshire, and collected seventeen points to the home side’s four. A day’s travelling followed as Cumbria awaited the young Scots. Sadly, two days of solid rain prevented a ball from being bowled and so both sides had to settle for five points each. Not to be defeated by the weather, the squad took in the sights of Morecambe Bay, floated on high o’er Cumbrian vales and hills, and supported the local football club as Kendal Town FC took on Blackburn Rovers. Northumberland is next for the players, who will be looking to build on their promising start, and will be hoping for some decent weather.

Alan Patterson

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