The Western Warriors under 15s bounced back from last week’s defeat, to record a good win over the Eastern Knights.  Things got off to an inauspicious start when skipper-for-day Robbie Walsh (Ayr CC) lost the toss and the Knights chose to bat first at a sun-drenched Titwood (Clydesdale CC).

However, Walsh struck in the 5th over, with fellow opening bowler Shlok Thaker (Clydesdale CC) picking up a wicket in the 6th over too.  Ewan McCartney (Helensburgh CC), bowling first change, then added a third – leaving the Knights 35/3.  The Knights biggest partnership of the innings followed – until Uzair Ahmad (Ferguslie CC) induced an outside edge which was spectacularly caught by a diving Ben Willmott (Clydesdale CC) at slip.  Then the spinners enjoyed big success – Ahmad finished with 4 wickets, Qasim Khan (Ferguslie CC) took 2 and Nasratullah Safi (Glasgow Accies CC) took 1.  From 67/3, the Knights were 106 all out.

 

 

In reply, Max Byers (Dumfries CC) started with real intent.  However, despite both he and Ahmad making starts, the Warriors were 77/5 at one point – the Knights being aided by a mix up resulting in a run out and two outstanding catches by William Hodgson.  However, Rory Paterson (Glasgow Accies CC) batted superbly for 38* (off 40 deliveries) to steer the side home – even if it was Thaker who hit the winning run!

The second intra-squad match next week should provide a good warm-up for the 50-over championship finale – when the Warriors travel to Perth in two weeks’ time.