Shipwrecks On Course

The Shipwrecks remain dangerously on course for the Second Division title in the Foster's Midweek League after another close nine run victory against Dumfries Colts at Nunholm on Thursday.

Scores: Shipwrecks 110 - 7 (R Raverty 28 ret., Service 25 ret., Hutchinson 25 ret. ; McBirnie 3-31) : Dumfries Colts 101 - 7 (Malik 26 ret., Corbett-Byers 26 ret., Little 19 n.o. ; Taylor 2-17)

Batting first, Shipwrecks nearly foundered at the outset as Dougan (all guns firing), Pat Raverty and Sid Oates were all caught out.  The innings was effectively rescued by a strong partnership between Richard Raverty, who finished with a sweet cut shot and Mike Service, who later did a creditable job of keeping Corbett-Byers at bay and scoring a few runs off him too.

Andy Hutchinson scrambled on board late (as usual) to make a third maximum with some measured blows.

On restart Taylor used the moderate southerly to get some swing and fortuitously captured Kyle, who chased a wide'un. Malik never managed full steam in making his retirement and Captain McCuaig skillfully manipulated his available bowling troops so that MacEwan and Hutchinson were held back to strangle the runs in the last few overs.

The OVD Man of the Match Award went to Mike Service for his crucial innings.

Richard Raverty Cuts - Service Looks On

For the avoidance of confusion amongst the ranks, please note that our last two League fixtures are on 2nd (Healthpros) and 3rd August (Dalton) - i.e. consecutive sailings.

Shower Scuttles Shipwrecks

Shipwrecks had a futile maiden voyage to Gatehouse to play Galloway Allstars on Thursday when a heavy storm put an end to hostilities after only sixteen overs with the home crew on 40 for 3.

Having planned to sail with only enough hands to man a coxless eight, Shipwrecks arrived with enough to handle a twelve man schooner and found the home team themselves struggling to put to sea with just eight men, women and children afloat.

Sid Oates treacherously volunteered to jump ship and proceeded to make more runs (14) than he has done all season for his own team at number three.  Meanwhile Taylor eliminated Teale and newcomer Kenny ? put McGrath to the sword before McKenna ran Oates out to put the mariners in complete control.

But foul weather had by then moved in from South East Iceland and the home umpires were finally forced to abandon the game, having first ensured that  all on board got a thorough soaking.

Shipwrecks Overhaul Juniors

Shipwrecks pulled away to a 2-1 victory in this year's regatta against St Michael's Junior Academy on the green, green (and rather long) grass of Kingholm 2 on Thursday, cruising to a six wicket victory.

Scores: St Michael's Junior Academy 65 - 8 (Holmes 30 ret, Henri 28 ret ; Taylor 3-7) : Shipwrecks 66 - 4 (Mahmood 26 ret, P Raverty 17 n.o.)

Having won the toss, the Juniors quickly lost Barnett, scuttled by McEwan, and the home port side were surprised to see overseas sailor Juan Henri joining Holmes at the oars for the second wicket partnership, the two navigating with more caution than in the previous skirmishes. With no Hutchinson to consign him to the depths, Henri managed to emulate Holmes by taking a maximum but it left the the other youngsters without much of a lifeline.

Pat Raverty plays through point

Taylor and Fallas made key thrusts to eliminate Jack and Moore, the latter superbly caught by Mahmood, and the other batters could only pick up a few extra singles.

In return, John Dougan again unwisely chanced a run to Henri and Service fell to a superb capture by Callum McLaughlin, running backwards off the starboard bow. But some patience from Pat Ravery and some lusty blows and sweet timingfrom Mahmood more or less got the Shipwrecks over the line.