The Western Warriors Under 14s got their 2019 campaign off to a winning start – prevailing in a nail-biting encounter with the Eastern Knights. Batting first, Clydesdale CC trio Bahadar Esakhiel (36), skipper Nikhil Koteeswaran (35) and wicket-keeper Owen Gould (32) all made very useful contributions to the total of 199 for 7 from the 40 overs. Extras did top score, with 53 – but the Warriors would quickly gift almost the same total (48) back, including two sets of 5 penalty runs for running on the wicket, and from consecutive deliveries!
The Knights‘ reply was built around a big 114-run second wicket partnership – but some impressive spin bowling from Ferguslie CC duo Uzair Ahmad and Qasim Khan (8-0-31-1 and 5-1-11-0 respectively) managed to push the required rate beyond 7 runs per over. The Knights then got this back down to almost one run per ball, as the Warriors proceeded to drop six catches! However, Koteeswaran made the crucial breakthrough during a very impressive late innings spell – and, when Andrew Harden (Clydesdale CC) picked up the crucial wicket of McIntyre with the first ball of his second spell, the Warriors were able to control the end of the innings well. Knights 190 for 6 – with the Warriors showing great character to seal the victory.
Next up is a home game, against the Caledonian Highlanders, this Sunday.