Last Saturday Crieff CC hosted Brechin CC at the Braidhaugh, both teams seeking much needed league points. The game itself can be quickly summarised as the tale of two centuries.
Brechin batted first. After a bright start Crieff began to labour in the field; sluggish movement and mis-fields prompted some wayward bowling and a generally lacklustre air about the team. Overcast, humid conditions and occasional showers didn't improve the mood of the Crieff players. They then were forced to witnessed a chanceless display from Brechin opener, D Beaton. His highest total for his club, one hundred and fourteen not out, enjoyed good support from his team mates. Crieff looked care-worn and weary when they trudged off at the interval, staring at a total of two hundred and fifty two to win and having only taken five wickets.
Crieff have been in this situation before during this season. Perhaps it was a similar experience that helped them to keep their collective composure after losing three early wickets for only thirty runs. Contributions from Leon De Lange, Alan Harvey and Jamie Alsop all assisted the home teams cause but in truth, this day belonged to Keith Keldie. Crieff's bearded Orcadian produced something a little special that compared well even with the tremendous effort that had preceded it. Where the earlier innings had been considered and controlled, Keldie was prepared to take risks. Brechins century maker was content to pace himself, Keldie maintained a remorseless belligerence and focussed aggression.
The atmosphere in the field gradually altered in character as the game wore on. Comments, queries and observations began to take on a more personal and petulant note as the erstwhile position of strength erroded to a game of parity before slipping to a desperate defensive rear-guard action. Keldie revelled in all of this, the situation clearly brought out the best in him.
In the end Crieff finished comfortably. Cameron Gauld played a dozen immaculate forward defensive shots as frenzied opponents crowded round his bat trying to force an error. Fittingly he left the last word to Keldie who finished the contest by thumping three consecutive fours in the eighty fifth over. A personal best for Keith Keldie, one hundred and thirty six not out, and with luck an indication of yet more swash-buckling action before the end of the season. Next week Crieff travel to meet Rossie Priory at Inchture. Players should indicate availability via the website in the usual way.