CRICKET — Victory For Inverclyde In High-Scoring Match

Inverclyde 261 for 2 (25 pts)
Galloway 2nds 125 for 8 (0 pts)

INVERCLYDE made a successful long trip to Gatehouse of Fleet to play Galloway 2nds.

Both sides were understrength but enjoyed a high-scoring game at the picturesque Cally Palace ground.

Batting first, Inverclyde’s openers built a partnership worth 134 before David Mudie was bowled for 28 by Cook in the 24th over, after playing a fine supporting role.

Meanwhile Dave Cooke had brought up his first half-century of the season and his second century for the club was in sight when he was unfortunate to be run out for 85 at 152 for 2 from an accurate return from deep cover.

Douglas Pilkington and Scott Campbell then built the second century partnership of the innings, (which is a first for Inverclyde) which took the score to 261 for 2 when the innings closed at 40 overs.

Pilkington finished on 55 and Campbell on 32. This total equals Inverclyde’s top league score in its history when scoring 261 for 9 chasing Bute’s 267.

Faced with a challenging target Galloway made a solid start to their innings. Although behind the run-rate during good opening spells from Inverclyde captain Gareth James and Stewart Blair, they were progressing well until change-bowler Mudie had Whittaker well caught behind for 17 at 50 for 1 in the 16th over.

Campbell then caught-and-bowled the aggressive Hesketh for 13 at 80 for 2 in the 22nd over to effectively end the home side’s challenge. Cooke then had Sharples caught by Mark Blair at mid-on.

Opener Swift had batted well for his 45 until he was stumped by Pilkington off Stewart Blair’s wider ball. Debutant Chris Roffe, who impressed in the field throughout the innings, accounted for home captain Martin with a catch behind down leg side, with Galloway at 105 for 5 in the 30th over.

Campbell, Mudie and James picked up three late wickets, helped by Cooke’s, James’s and Roffe’s catches, to leave the home side well beaten at 125 for 8 at the close of their innings.

Inverclyde’s second debutant Erol Ali also contributed to the match, bowling two accurate overs, and fielding well.

After two recent defeats, this was Inverclyde’s second league victory of the season to move them up the Division Three table, to eighth position in the expanded 14-team league for the 2021 season.

Inverclyde do not have a league fixture this weekend but meet Bute in a Sunday friendly at Gourock Park.

Inverclyde Juniors -– Coaching sessions for the expanding junior section continue on Saturdays from noon to 1.30pm. Newcomers are welcome.