Under 12 inter-area update

Tim Hart writes, “Sunday saw the first planned ‘Super Sunday’ of the summer – with Ayrshire due to host Clyde and Lanarkshire (and a Clyde versus Lanarkshire match) in a day of T20 Under 12 inter-area cricket. Unfortunately, Clyde were not able to fulfill either fixture – but Mark Colman has sent this report on the Ayrshire versus Lanarkshire match which did take place at Scott Ellis Playing Fields (Kilmarnock CC).

‘After getting off to a shaky start (8 for 2 off three overs), Ayrshire built a big total. There was a sensible partnership between Dylan Neil (Irvine CC) and Nari Bhandari (Ayr CC), who both showed how to select the right ball to play or hit. Harrison Lockwood (Prestwick CC) then joined Bhandari in the middle and both accelerated the run rate with some excellent shots. Both reached their 30 before retiring – although both would later return to bat. This led to a commanding total of 162 for 7 being scored, with Bhandari finishing on 49* and Lockwood with 43.

‘After an excellent lunch (and thanks to all for contributing) the game was effectively ended as a contest in the first over when Bhandari took three wickets for no runs with a fine display of away swing bowling! Wickets did then fall at regular intervals, with Cameron Forsyth (Ayr CC) taking two and Findlay Wheeler (Kilmarnock CC) taking a good catch on his debut. The Lanarkshire innings ended after 9.4 overs, all out for 31.’

“Although the margin of victory was quite big, thanks must go to Lanarkshire, their coaches and their players for fulfilling the fixture – even if they were missing a couple of more experienced players due to the Champions Trophy Final!  Thanks too must go to Mark Colman, and Ayrshire, for hosting. The updated tournament standings are available on-line – with the next round of fixtures being another ‘Super Sunday’, this time being hosted by Lanarkshire, on 23 July.”