Ardencaple 192 for 7
Inverclyde 193 for 5
INVERCLYDE secured an impressive victory over Helensburgh side Ardencaple on Saturday at Gourock Park.
Bowling first, the home side’s Paul Singh made an early breakthrough in the fifth over when Karin was caught behind by Gordon Lappin. Change-bowler Ibarhim Haidary took a wicket in his over when Campbell was caught by Singh in slip.
Ishbarg was the third visiting batter to be caught when he fell to a good catch by Mohammad Anwar at deep mid-wicket off the bowling of Gareth James. James took his second wicket when Gold was also caught behind. Hairdary also took his second wicket when he bowled opener Gilbert for 28 with the visitors in some trouble at 43 for 5 in the 14th over.
However Cole and Duffy fought back with a good partnership of 140 in 24 overs until Cole fell for 69 to James’s catch off Ishaan Nayak’s bowling. David Tolan bowled Robinson with Cole remaining undefeated on 45 as Ardencaple finished at 192 for 7 after 40 overs.
In reply, Inverclyde had a steady start until Dave Cooke was bowled by Robinson in the eighth over at 19 for 1. Haidari and Cammy Gunn put on 40 runs in good time until Haidari was caught for 13 in the 14th over. Gunn was Cole’s second victim when he was bowled for 40 runs in the 17th over. Anwar was bowled by Deane with Inverclyde at 83 for 4 after 18 overs.
Nayak and James then had a match-winning partnership over the next 20 overs taking Inverclyde close to victory until James was caught in the 38th over for 56 after a fine captain’s innings. It was left to Nayak to bring up his 50 as he scored the winning runs in the 39th over.
This was an excellent win for Inverclyde, chasing down the high target, and keeps them on maximum points after two games. They are at home again on Saturday when they play East Kilbride at Gourock Park.
