The annual fixture against the Staff XI was keenly anticipated by all. Unfortunately it turned out to be a bit of a fizzer as the 1st XI comprehensively outplayed the older and more illustrious opponents beating them by 148 runs.
The 1st XI batted first and compiled a respectable 228/9 after 40 overs with Scott Finlayson 41, Malcolm Luman 38, Jacob Robb 36 and Peter Winkelmann in his debut innings 24. The Staff XI’s best bowlers were Garth Littlejohn 2/16 and Ian Boyle 2/17.
The Staff innings started off reasonably well with the first partnership putting on 30 runs and were looking respectable at 68/3. However, there must have been something in the drinks as the Staff capitulated against spin twins James Chenery 3/4 and Freddy Walker 4/19 to be all out for 80 – their lowest total ever. Alistair Blackett also playing in his debut match bowled superbly taking ¼ in 4 overs. The fielding of the 1st XI was once again superb with Malcolm Luman taking a brilliant catch on the boundary to dismiss the dangerous Craig Hardman and two very good run outs. The best batmen for the Staff were Zane Hartley 26 and Garth Littlejohn 19.
Players of the day: Chenery, Walker, Finlayson & Luman.
