Cracking Day, Cracking Cricket, Cracking Ankles
Date: 05/09/2021 | Start Time: 13:00 | Overs: 30 | Weather: Sunny and Warm
With the season winding down, DCC made the short trip along the Ochils to square off against Stirling County CC on the meandering Forthbank. The conditions echoed the splendid backdrop and the track was easily one of the best pitches we have played on this season. Captain Sandy Cunningham lost the toss and DCC were sent in to have the first swing of the willow as we looked to prolong our winning run that stretches back to late June.
Cunningham wandered out in tow with Calum Weir, who was averaging 50 this season, and the duo opened with poise and intent as Weir played the role of aggressor and the skipper held his end. However, with the pair on the cusp of a 50 opening stand Cunningham fell to a beaut from I. Brett for 12. This brought Craig Smith to the crease who knocked off some early rust and quickly continued the blistering form he has displayed all year. Weir settled and Smith took up the role of primary scorer, with the duo answering all questions thrown at them with ease, often turning the fielders into forensic investigators searching for the hidden cherry lodged in the think bushes beyond the boundary.
After the midway drinks break both men were in the high forties and walked past the 50 retirement mark essentially heralding a double change in the middle. Paul Symington was quickly joined by Simon Breasley and like their predecessors they took no time at all in getting their eye(s) in.
With a quick outfield Symington, in particular, started to send the ball flashing all over the park with 7 of his first 10 scoring shots being boundaries. Breasley meanwhile sensibly kept it safe and surgically sliced the ball through the gaps. Unsurprisingly Symington reached his 50 in a hurry bringing Charlie Dunn to the crease. It was clear Dunn was not interested in preserving his average and came out swinging which ultimately led to his demise through skying one to mid-on for 4.
With only a dozen or so deliveries left Rob Morris too entered in true T20 style, while Breasley also began to get the umpires’ arm flowing. Despite Stirling sending Brett back on, this did not faze Morris as he knocked off 11 from the last over and pushed DCC to a terrific score of 215/2.
Top Scorers:
Craig Smith (51), Paul Symington (50), Calum Weir (50), Simon Breasley (27) [all not out]
In reply Breasley and Tim Dillion were tasked with the ball by the skipper, who again was filling in behind the stumps, to start the innings on the right foot. The reply got off to a strange start as a mix up saw Dunn running out the sent-back non-striker on the very first ball, however given the batsman’s youthful age DCC respectfully withdrew our appeal and order was restored.
With Brealsey quickly finding his area with the ball it did not take him long to get an early scalp, as with the penultimate ball of his opening over the Yorkshireman forced A. Weir to play one right into Smith’s hands. The openers kept it tight and the next reward soon emerged as P. Shunda could not make the most of his extra life as he popped one up, sending Dunn scampering in from cover-point to give Breasley his second scalp.
With Brett swinging, Stirling did manage to find momentum and the contest was building, but this did not hinder Gregg (Deadly) Dunsire as he bamboozled S. Salnhe into miss hitting one to Weir. However, Brett and the new man C. Sanders were proving tricky customers and the former would reach his 50 with a maximum despite the best efforts of Morris and Chris Hadlee.
Soon after Brett walked off the momentum shifted back towards the visitors through Dunsire. Approaching the end of his spell the danger-man doubled his tally claiming the wicket of W. Reid. This heralded what was thought to be the afternoon’s final bowling change as leading wicket taker Dunn and the skilful Weir were given the nod from behind the stumps. Both displayed some great death-bowling with early chances-a-plenty. Until, the injury prone Dunn landed awkwardly on the lip edge of the track and sprained his ankle.
Symington was brought on and he and Weir started to dismantle the lower order and sent the required run rate soaring. Weir in particular was impressive claiming 4 wickets in his final 3 overs, in addition to Symington’s solitary strike.
Ian Morrison’s athleticism and good arm in the field must also be commended. Weir confirmed the victory with the final scalp of C. Lucas to see DCC over the line.
Best figures:
C. Weir (11 of 5 for 4), S. Breasley (17 of 4 for 2), G. Dunsire (21 of 5 for 2)
The match proved to be competitive thanks to an abundance of talent in the Stirling team and we all look forward to the short trip to their beautiful ground again next year and wish them luck in whatever remaining fixtures they have in 2021.
Man of the Match: Calum Weir said…
‘An enjoyable match, with plenty of good play from both sides. Great to keep the winning run alive and on a personal note it’s nice to end my season with some runs and wickets for the DCC.’
RESULT: DCC VICTORY BY 51 RUNS
Win streak of 4 matches
Played 9 | Won 7 | Lost 2
Next up: The Ship Inn @ Elie Beach