Inverclyde 175 for 7
Kelburne 152 all out
A STRONG all-round performance gave Inverclyde a well-deserved 23-run victory in the Renfrewshire derby at Gourock Park on Saturday.
Although the locals came into the match on the back of two good league victories against strong opposition, title-chasing Kelburne remained favourites.
Inverclyde had to do it the hard way, though, batting first on the rain-affected wicket. Openers Cooke (10) and Campbell (14) got them off to a solid start with a partnership of 41.
Batsmen all down the order built upon this foundation, including Marwan (23), Anwar (31) and captain and top-scorer Lappin, who was stumped for a crucial 42 looking to up the ante in the final over of the innings. There was a valuable late innings contribution from youngster Zander Lovell, who remained unbeaten on six as Inverclyde posted 175, a challenging chase on a soft wicket with a long and damp outfield.
With rain threatening, Inverclyde were keen to get back to action after tea. Tight bowling from their openers and change-bowlers meant Kelburne were always behind the pace, and pressure grew as wickets began to tumble. Inverclyde’s Singh led from the front, taking two for just 17 from his eight overs. He was well supported by youngster Narwan who also conceded a mere 17 runs from his eight overs, well below the run rate required by the visitors.
From there the Paisley side had to start taking risks. Inverclyde change-bowlers happily took advantage, with Haidri taking two for 39 from eight and Nasiri an excellent four for 26 from eight. Safi and Cooke also contributed important overs, the latter delighting onlookers as he rolled back the years to come in on off his full run-up. If catches win matches, Cooke, Campbell, Marwan and Lappin did their bit, the latter taking a brace. Lovell backed up an important contribution with the bat with a strong performance in the field.
The last two wickets to fall, however, were run-outs. Captain Lappin underlined a fine all-round performance securing the penultimate wicket via this means, and Ibrihim Haidiri had Kelburne all out with a fantastic direct hit from the last ball of the match to secure a merited outright derby victory for the locals.
Inverclyde look to continue their rich vein of form next weekend when they take on Clydesdale Cavaliers in Glasgow.
