Bowlers Fire Before Rain Thwarts Haddington

Haddington vs Marchmont 2nd XI July 3rd 2021

A rather wet weekend to commence July saw regular sparring partners Marchmont 2nd XI travel from the capital to the shires for a game at Neilson Park. Winning the toss, HCC captain Scott Logan had no hesitation in asking Marchmont to bat first. With weather around, and football to be watched, both sides were after a quick finish. Timmy Hancox, growing into his role as new ball enforcer for The Goats, struck first ball from the River Tyne End when a juicy full toss was struck exceptionally well to James Shaw at cover, who held it well. Later reports suggest soreness of the hand which made gripping a pint glass difficult, though rum-based highballs were managed with ease. Building up a head of steam, Hancox ripped the ball into debutant Andrabi’s pads, only for Mr Clayton to shake his head. Anguish was felt, not least by batting partner Pant, who’s stumps were shattered shortly after be a searing full ball. 

Will Collier strode out at #4, onto the scene of a marvellous 66 two years ago. The pitch had not the pace of the 2019 contest, and his favoured extra cover region was blocked off & made inaccessible by James Shaw’s in-swingers & tricky length, and Ash Kumar’s wily twirlers. Andrabi, formerly a Swiss Youth International [unconfirmed -Ed.], strode down the wicket so often in search of a hitting length that the treasurer had a price negotiated for the roller by the drinks break, though he rarely offered a shot in anger for his 21. Progress was excruciating, albeit some foundation was laid at 46-2 from 20 overs. Cruelly however, Logan introduced Cruickshank’s devilish plum duffs, and both set batsmen feathered behind to good catches from Borrowman & Hiley - foolishly lured into cutting the cake, rather than pressing forward to the pies. 3-16 from 8 Alan’s final analysis. Mr Kumar got the wicket of Corne Van Jaarsveld (in his final game for Marchmont after a wonderful career), and Hancox (3-18) cleaned up the tail, with another HCC run out to help polish off the crumbs. 99 all out from 39 overs a rather tame effort in the drizzle. 

The rain, persistent since early afternoon, got heavier and prevented play from restarting. A frustrating end to the afternoon for Haddington, who would have fancied chasing the score with a strong batting line-up, despite Clayton & Ahmed’s usual miserly bowling. The sides reconvene at Cavalry Park (in Duddingston, not Marchmont) for the reverse fixture at some point in August.