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Breadies Beaten in Northern Nailbiter
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Breadalbane vs Mannofield, Saturday 11 August Breadalbane risked the rainy weather and made the long trip north to Aberdeen to play title hopefuls Mannofield. Despite persistent rain falling over just about all the country, both teams provided a beacon of light with the only top flight competitive match played anywhere in Scotland. The Breadies won the toss, and elected to bat, confident of posting their third consecutive score of more than 200, on a good batting track. Openers Kyle Hardy and Darren Mortimer did not disappoint, adding 91 for the first wicket until Hardy fell, caught, in the 19th over, for 18. Mortimer continued to dominate with 14 fours and 6 sixes, as he added 52 with Chris Eyes (22) and 92 with James Bax (39) for the second and third wickets. Darren eventually holed out for an impressive 143, his highest knock for the club. |
James Bax continued to the death, with run-a–ball partnerships with Mark Bridgeman and his son Myles Bax , until he finally lofted a catch from the final ball of the innings, finishing on 39 and the team with 259. W. Anderson was the pick of the Mannofield attack finishing with 3 for 45.
After tea, with light rain falling, Mannofield began their reply in the worse possible fashion, losing their two opening batsman inside the first 5 overs, both to the impressive Darren Mortimer. Kyle Hardy then cleaned bowled Assister in the sixteenth over with the score on 85.
However, this bought both of Mannofield’s overseas players to the crease who proceeded to put the Breadies’ bowling attack to the sword, piling on 149 for the fourth wicket. Chasing six an over to win, both players knew attack was their only option. On a flat batting track, which held up well to the light rain, both Patel and Doak-Smith chanced their arm with an array of bold strokes that slowly hauled the Aberdeen team to within sight of their target.
Despite some committed fielding and bowling, especially from young Matt Blanchett, making his premier league debut, two vital half chances went begging. By the time Darren Mortimer pulled off two stunning catches to remove Patel for 123 and Bala, the damage was done. Matt Jacobs removed Doak-Smith was a useful caught and bowled, for 84, however the Breadies could not prevent the seventh wicket pair hauling Mannofield over the line with three overs to spare.
It was a creditable performance from a under-strength Breadalbane team, against one of the title favourites. The Highland Perthshire men gained 10 valuable bonus points towards premier league survival, and many admirers in the north east for their contribution to a thrilling game of cricket.
