Saturday saw both Thomas and Robert McBride score half centuries, but unfortunately ended up on the losing side by just 3 runs. Croma Vigilant Dumfries was taking on a strong Ferguslie Cricket Club in their first pre-season fixture.
Ferguslie CC 188 for 8 v Croma Vigilant Dumfries CC 185 for 7
Ferguslie were first up with the bat and amassed 188 runs for the loss of 8 wickets. Croma Vigilant Dumfries relied upon the experienced bowling duo of David Davidson and Stuart Alexander to make vital break throughs during the match. Alexander put the pressure on the oppositions opening batsmen and ended his early spell with two wickets, for just 25 runs. Ferguslie began to put pressure on the home bowlers, and just as Scotland A player Michael English was beginning to get going and finding the boundary, Davidson delivered a ball outside off stump with flight, which English edge into the waiting hands of Adam Elliott behind the stumps for 42. Ferguslie had both Cook and Stafford scoring in their 40’s.
Croma Vigilant Dumfries set about chasing 188 and all was going well as Thomas McBride was like a man on fire and cruised his way to 50 opening the batting with a resilient Adam Malik. Thomas unfortunately snicked the ball through to the keeper. Robert McBride came to the crease, and after a couple loose shots, looked as reassured at the crease as the end of last season, blasting boundaries over the fences and a big six. The match continued to be close coming into the final few overs, wickets had fallen regularly in the final 10 overs. Robert passed his 50 with a couple overs to go, but Croma Vigilant Dumfries required 9 off the last over for victory. Ferguslie protected the boundary well, and whilst McBride and Reed committed to the running between the wickets, they we unable to get over the final line.
Robert McBride finished with 62 not out and was unstoppable, top scorer and man of the match. Croma Vigilant Dumfries have their final pre-season friendly next Saturday against Hillhead, then onto the competitive programme of fixtures in the Premier Division.
Photo’s
Dfs v Ferguslie 15 Apr 17a Croma Vigilant Dumfries in pre season action
Dfs v Ferguslie 15 Apr 17b Croma Vigilant Dumfries in pre season action – Robert McBride fends off pacemans delivery
Dfs v Ferguslie 15 Apr 17c Croma Vigilant Dumfries in pre season action – Robert McBride attacks loose delivery
