Sunday, 21st May 2006
The weather claimed the first game of two league fixtures scheduled for
theBraidhaugh last weekend. The rain that stopped any chance of play on
Saturday held off long enough for Crieff to taste defeat for the first time
in this seasonscampaign. A soggy pitch and very damp outfield played their
part in a game in which Crieff were outgunned by the very strong batting
line-up of the visiting Perth team.Skipper Leon De Lange lost the toss but
was one of only three Crieff batsmen to make a significant score. His
twenty-seven was matched by the twenty-five made by Keith Keldie. Together
these innings sandwiched a sparkling seventy-five from Phil Mestecky.
Despite not scoring very much, the rest of the Crieff line-up improved on
last weeks showing by batting > into the forty-first over of their innings
before the team was all out for one hundred and sixty five.The Perth
response was controlled and surefooted. Without attempting to force the pace
the visitors scored at around three an over. After thirty overs the run rate
quickened as the patience ran out and they forced home their advantage.
Perth reached one hundred and sixty-six off forty-two overs and for the loss
of six wickets.
> On paper, perhaps this game was a bit one-sided. In fact, the match
represents another valuable experience for this Crieff team. The young
> Crieff bowlers got some terrific exposure to bowling under pressure and
emerged with a geat deal of credit. Cameron Gauld was extremely
> unfortunate not to claim another wicket from a mis-timed pull shot and
Daniel Mestecky suffered the same fate following a clear edge to the
> keeper that kept very low. Both these players took wickets and this
situation certainly got the best bowling display yet from Daniel Mestecky
> in a Crieff shirt.
The match ball was sponsored by
D Gourlay, Butcher.