Mannofield @ Mineralwell 11/08/07

Thistle 2nds entertained Mannofield at Mineralwell looking to continue their recent run of good form. Home skipper King lost the toss and the visitors elected to bat on a fine looking batting track.

As last week, the Captain looked to the skies and knew the Thistle attack would make the most of the overcast conditions. As is now customary, Thistle struck in the first over with the reliable Matthew Greig removing opener Duff to a measured catch by Paul Hay with the score on 5. King then trapped Kumar in front and Thistle were quickly in command.

Inside 12 overs the visitors were reeling on 20 for 5 thanks to some fine attacking bowling from Greig and nagging accuracy from King. As Matthew Greig is still classed as a junior, his spell is limited to 6 over’s in a session, and he has made that short spell count in tandem with opening partner King. David Garden then came into the attack and continued the procession with 3 quick wickets in a short spell. C Findlay taking a routine catch and the other two bowled.

With the score on 42 and 8 men down a brief attempt at hitting their way out of trouble was halted with the introduction of David Crozier's leg spin. Top scorer G Proud tried some unnecessary gamesmanship with some of the Thistle fielders ridiculing their attack, and promptly lost his off stump to a fine leg spin delivery next ball. Justice was served, and Crozier wrapped up the innings next over with Garden taking the catch to a lofted drive. Mannofield were all out for 82.

Frankly there was little positive to note about the Mannofield batting. With several young aspiring regional and national representative players in their side it appears that the Aberdeen team is producing carbon copies, all playing the same shots and on Saturday's showing not an ounce of individual flare, or any defensive technique.

Matthew Greig finished with 3 for 13 in 6 overs, King 2 for 18 in 9 Garden 3 for 22, and D Crozier 2 for 2 in 1.1 overs.
Thistles innings started brightly with Bruce Findlay and James Crozier looking solid. Findlay lost his off stump to Callum with the score on 9. Steve Crozier then pushed the score along with James to 37 where Dad managed to run out junior, and then followed him back to the pavilion after a top edge to slip off F Proud.

Matthew Colvin then played himself in keeping the bowling at bay for some 21 balls without scoring while Garden came and went for 3. Nigel King then joined Colvin and the pair quickly put the game into Thistle's hands by punishing the loose ball. Colvin used a combination of good defensive strokes and attack, hitting the ball well, while King played his usual game, taking the hapless Kumar for 12 in one over, and hitting the winning boundary when the scores were level. King closed with 21 not out, M Colvin 13 not out and S Crozier 14.

Another 6 wicket win to Thistle and another fine all round team performance. Greig and Colvin were outstanding among Thistle's youngsters, but the application of Callum Findlay and D Colvin in the field should not be underestimated. Individual flare and developing technique under Thistle’s coaching has paid dividends this season. Give me that any time rather than over-coached clones!

Return to Match Reports