Broomhall Swept Away by Hiley and Kumar.
HCC vs Broomhall CC, 11th June 2022 - Sponsored by BRULO Alcohol Free Beer - use code HCC25 at checkout
Hiley launches six over long-on (still from video)
On a tempestuous afternoon at Neilson Park, what looked for an hour or so like a deluge of runs for the Fife side blew through quicker than the passing showers which threatened to disrupt play. Batting first, the powerful top order made light work of the opening bowlers and progressed to 45 for 2 off 10 overs. The talented Ieuan Ward looked completely untroubled until a rash shot off Rob Hiley gave Andy Bell the chance to take a brilliant catch at mid-on, after Neil Millar had skied a caught & bowled. Thereafter, Chris Hoefling and Scott Lucas took control and progressed the score to 60, scoring above 4 per over. Hoefling was powerful down the ground and Lucas drove & cut with precision through the off side. But a masterful over from Hiley, taking advantage of prodigious seam movement and good bounce, beat Lucas two or three times before cutting one back sharply to clip leg bail. Shortly after, Hoefling was suckered in by Kumar’s change of pace and bowled attempting a big stroke, and the score was 65-4.
From there Clegg & Roberston staged a recovery of sorts but with the bulk of the batting back on the sidelines, Kumar caused havoc and finished with 5-16 from 8 overs, conceding just one run from his final four. Cardwell-Moore took two sharp catches at midwicket, and Cruickshank (who else?) snaffled a bonus wicket. Dave Arbuthnott - perhaps underbowled, ripped out a stubborn Phil Ward with a middle stump yorker to finish the innings off for 92 with 11 overs unused by the visitors. Jonny Mitchell was immaculate behind the stumps all day with not a single bye, showing why he is Haddington’s first choice wicket keeper when not sinking hole-in-ones around the county’s magnificent links courses.
Cruickshank & JCM started well in reply enjoying the pace on the ball from Ward & Hoefling, and the good carry the wicket provided. JCM’s lack of fortune continued however when a firm cut went straight to the captain’s bucket hands at fine gully, once again looking in good order without quite getting going. His luck will turn soon, and big runs will follow. 26-1 meant plenty work still to do, and Blades joined the Shank minded to see off Ward’s sharp left armers. The pair opened up against the change bowlers despite Millar finding bounce to pass Alan’s outside edge on a few occasions. Blades got a little too excited giving the elder Ward a wicket and a sniff of causing a wobble at 57-2. However, Rob Hiley perished such thoughts with a boundary-laden 35 not out, striking from front and back foot in the classical V down the ground. Haddington securing victory off 22 overs by 8 wickets. The return fixture at Broomhall will be one to watch, and this was another game played with good spirits despite the drizzle. Division 3 is anyone’s guess this season.
Player of the Match - Ash Kumar & Rob Hiley
Scott Logan accepts his TFC from Treasurer Fergus Syme. Rob Macdonald looks on.