Under 15s vs Ballinger, 17th June 2005

--- Wheels fall off the under 15s wagon at Ballinger! ---

Ian Walter

Like the headline? Nothing to like about the match I’m afraid.

Having clashed with the England v Australia 20:20 earlier in the week poor scheduling by yours truly this time saw our boys away to Ballinger not only on the night of the club’s summer barbecue but also on the same evening as the under 14s were playing. We were struggling therefore with availabilities so many thanks therefore to the Crichton boys, Peter and Stuart, for helping us out at short notice. However I reckon we would have lost even with 22 players, so accomplished were the Ballinger team, littered as it was with county players.

First mistake was winning the toss and putting them in. I can see why, (we couldn’t return to the club too soon, and certainly not before the burgers were cooked) but it meant batting later in unforgiving sunlight that was completely blinding from one end.

These wretched helmets mean it’s impossible to wear caps and expensive flashy sunglasses so much of our later batting was pure guesswork. (Some might say it always is)!!

The county men (and league leaders of course) duly knocked up an impressive 157 for 1 in glorious weather; Phillips leading the way with 67, Andy Branigan 43 not out and Ollie Richards 28 not out. A proper scorecard!

Yet again bowling honours went to Ben Ford for a tidy spell but all the bowlers stuck very well to the task and whilst Stephen took the one wicket to fall well done Alex, Javed and Sam (bowling now with a broken arm and after a day of sheep shearing on Work Experience no less). What a redoubtable clan those Harrisons are! Our wide/no ball count was much improved at only 5 as the threat of press-ups had a positive effect. Still plenty of progress to be made in the fielding department though, particularly in comparison with Ballinger’s.

Batting was never going to be easy but Paul Boden (13) and Ollie Mace (8) struck a few early lusty blows while at the other end Richard Falconer battled away in Boycottesque style for 20. The only other score of note was Stephen’s 16 not out as our innings faded away (having never really got going) at 85 for 7. I must though mention a confident little cameo from Michael Shrieve, who still can’t make up his mind whether he is a bowler, batsman or fielder! (He looked more batsman this time round).

So as the sun finally disappeared over the boundary behind the bowler’s arm it was back to the club to enjoy the rest of the Club BBQ night. Well done everybody for putting on such an enjoyable ‘do’ in incredibly favourable weather which cheered us all up after our humbling at the Waggoners.