That’s Cricket!
Saturday the 12 of the June brought about another chapter of the inter-Dollar fixture played between DCC and the Dollar Academy 1st XI in a 25 overs match. Conditions were dry, but the sky was white and a steady breeze was drifting across the wicket. Stand-in captain Alan Douglas lost the toss and the DCC were asked to field.
After the drubbing DCC took in the previous fixture (2/6/21), the more elderly Dollar cricketing side knew that they had to be firing on all cylinders. The first 10 overs contained plenty of good cricket from both sides, with the DA opening pair managing to withstand good length from the opening bowlers, Charlie Dunn and Tim Dillon. The youngsters scoring rate continued to tick over, with both openers batting very well.
DCC finally managed to strike with 3 wickets in close succession through the bowling of Calum Weir and Darwin Douglas. As the remaining overs dwindled, the School showed more aggression and began swinging with venom. Jack Smart picked up a late wicket to squash some momentum. With a few late boundaries and some solid bowling from Tom Hall, Paul Fensom, and Deadly Dunsire. Dollar Academy finished their innings with a very respectable score of 170 for 4 off 25.
A special mention also goes to Connor Adam, who in making his first appearance for DCC put his body on the line, to save some valuable runs from mid wicket.
Best figures: C. Weir (29 of 5 for 2), D. Douglas (27 of 5 for 1), J. Smart (11 of 2 for 1)
Chasing a run rate higher than a run-a-ball, it was crucial thatD CC made a fast start. Openers, Craigie Smith and Calum Weir saw off the opening bowlers pace and began to take the cherry for a walk round the outfield. After the 10th over, the scoring rate was exactly where it needed to be at 7 runs per over.
Until, after an hours batting, Weir (who deserved a half ton) was bowled for 40. In came Tim Dillion who unfortunately failed to create much of a platform and was soon bowled. By this stage the required rate was edging closer to 10. Tactics needed to be tweaked, and some power was required.
Enter Jack Smart to partner Smith, who reached his 50 just after Smart arrived at the crease, the pair began to smash some much needed boundaries. This included some mammoth 4s towards the seemingly mile long pavilion boundary. These shots more than perked up the onlooking DCC players, as like the scoring rate the decibel level began to soar. Needing 32 of the last 3 overs nerves behind the rope, and for those in the field, began to reach a fever point. However, the elegant, and violent batsmen kept their heads. With 3 balls to go DCC were within a solitary run of the Academy’s total, Smith pushed one into the leg side and comfortably made it home for the single, scores tied… then came the overthrow and the pair walked their bats in to secure a DCC win with 2 balls to spare.
A phenomenal match winning partnership, with extra credit given to Craig Smith who carried his bat for a superb 78 not out, and also did a cracking job keeping wicket. An excellent response to the loss suffered to the Academy 10 days prior. Series levelled at 1-all, decider anyone?
Top Scores: C. Smith 78, C. Weir 40, J. Smart 28.
We offer many thanks to our opponents and wish this year’s leavers all the best in their future endeavours. It was a great game to be involved in – a really competitive and thrilling match.
Man of the match: CRAIG SMITH.
Smith had this to say, “Always great to grab a win against a strong school side, huge effort by all involved. Now to get back to work to secure my position as first choice wicket keeper.”
And Captain for the morning, Alan Douglas added “Our double-headers against the school are a favourite of ours and our first victory since 2018 only serves to show what a strong cricketing set-up they have.”
RESULT: DCC VICTORY BY 7 WICKETS.
Played 4. Won 3. Lost 1.
Winning streak. 3