Same Old Story

Shipwrecks once again fell short in a run chase, in their latest away encounter at Dalton (a.k.a. HMSS KCC) on Thursday, ending up a bowler short when Peter Harrison's car caused problems. Possibly a lift to port on Mike Service's new motorbike would have been a better option.

On a pleasant evening, Alastair MacEwan lost the toss and was asked to field against a Dalton crew who had retained hostages Richardson and R. McBride of Dumfries 1st XI from last season's superteam.  In spite of a couple of early fours, MacEwan himself soon broke through to dismiss Umar and Barnard.  Meanwhile Rory Dean had Lee well caught by Worthington at long leg to put Dalton under initial pressure.

For a while Richardson and McBride looked a little unsteady but Shipwrecks could not capitalise and both eventually sailed on to maximums. Sarosh came on to take two quick wickets but the returning openers survived to add useful runs and the innings closed on 124 - 8.

Some erratic bowling by Sharma (20 extras overall) meant Shipwrecks were well up with the run rate after five overs but Sid Oates was bowled by caught and bowled Richardson, who also bowled Mike Service. McCuaig thought he might have got a bump ball when he half volleyed to McBride and the turning point of

Jim Worthington in the Thai Orchid

the game came when Geoff Dean got the semaphore wrong and called offspring Rory for a 'walk the plank' single and had no chance of making his own ground when sent back.

The rest of the batting did not manage much of a fight apart from Jim Worthington, who played some nice shots in his 21 not out, supported by the reborn McCuaig, to earn the Man of the Match Award, which was duly celebrated in the "Thai Orchid".

Once again the Shipwrecks got within range of victory but fell short due to lack of shortage of trained sailors - and of course it's handy to have a couple of National League players in your crew if you can hire them.

Scores: Dalton 124 - 8 (McBride 30 n.o., Duncan 30 n.o., Richardson 25 n.o. ; Sarosh 2-24, MacEwan 2-28) : Shipwrecks 109 -9 (Worthington 21 n.o., R.Dean 16 ; McBride 4-14, Richardson 3-9)