Belhaven batting shows
fighting spirit
Merchiston were the latest opposition for the rapidly improving under eleven side, who in a short space of time have shown that they are capable of the sort of gutsy performance required at this level.
Merchiston were put into bat by captain Hughie Brooks, and it was apparent early on that their two opening batsmen were extremely talented players. They duly put on a hundred for the first wicket, but were made to work at times by some accurate bowling, notably from Jock Stodart, and after a change of ends a lively Freddy Younger bowling down the hill. Jamie Farr was economical, while Sam Pooley beat the bat on several occasions early in his spell.
Even so, a total of 190 plus in a thirty over game was a daunting prospect, and we were in need of a good start. For the first time this season we got one Jock Stodart and Jamie Farr were both positive and early on the scoreboard was ticking around. Jamie got a very good turning delivery – his luck will surely change soon – but Jock, now accompanied by a confident Hughie Brooks, clearly frustrated the Merchiston bowlers, Hughie with his solid defence and front foot drives, Jock with his powerful and aggressive approach.
When these two were removed, Christian Thomson and Sam Pooley defended doggedly, and although we were not going to trouble the Merchiston total, the boys were gaining extremely valuable ‘time in the middle’ against a strong Merchiston attack.
By the time stumps were drawn, we had amassed for 5, not enough to win the game perhaps, but enough to feel confident in the strength of our own batting. Twice this season we have not been dismissed, and this does not happen without determined and skilful batting – something worth remembering in the coming weeks.
MOTM: Christian Thomson and Sam Pooley
JP-H | 
