Stonehaven Thistle CC 1st XI v Artisans at Duthie Park 28/07/07

After the previous week’s washout Stonehaven were looking to maintain their title challenge with a visit to bottom side Artisans.  Winning the toss and electing to bowl first the two openers of Clive Hinchcliffe and Andrew Long kept the bowling tight with just 16 runs coming from 12 overs. Long finished his spell with 9 overs, 6 maidens and just 9 runs from the bat; a quite remarkable achievement.  Despite bowling changes Thistle could not get a break through until the 19th over from Chris Van de Rut with the score 54 for 1.  The game changed with runs becoming free flowing from opener Dickie (49 runs) and Munro (65 not out) pushing the score on. With the introduction of spinner Brian Campbell who posed some new problems for the batsmen the 2 wickets fell within quick succession finishing 2 for 30.  The score set after 46 overs was 169 for 5 which was reasonable considering the damp wicket.

The reply by Thistle started badly with opener Ali Milroy out 2nd ball caught by Sarna. Not deterred Drew Hinchcliffe pushed on as if 300 runs were needed.  Scoring two sixes in one over as the score raced on to 40 in just 36 balls.  On this occasion it was Alex Keith who had to play second fiddle before his demise for just 9, bowled Denish with the score on 55 for 2.  This brought to the crease Jonno Van de Rut who was in no mood to wait around, scoring freely off bowler Ram scoring 24 runs, two sixes and 3 fours in just 6 balls.  Each batsman continued to play they’re own game with brisk singles and powerful boundaries.

It wasn’t long until A Hinchcliffe brought up his 50 and went on to make an unbeaten 69 runs; his first 50 in a month.  It was Jonno who was the real star, outscoring his playing partner with some fine placement between fielders and over the boundary to bring up his 50 runs within 7 overs.  In just 124 balls Thistle were 175 for 2 and comfortable winners.

The man of the match was Jonno Van de Rut for his unbeaten 92 runs, the match was sponsored by McHardie’s Butchers.  The annual Cricket Funday is on the Sunday 26th August with teams of 7 or more invited to participate for high scoring family funday.

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