Clark stands strong

SPORT But can’t help Meigle avoid defeat on tricky wicket at Arbroath

Both Meigle Cricket Club’s first and second sides suffered defeats at the weekend.

On yet another windy summer Saturday, the first XI faced a tricky Arbroath wicket, which was partly tempered by a lightening quick outfield.

This was reinforced by some sharp bowling from Shaun Christie and Matt Hurst.

Meigle found it hard to score, with opener Iain Stewart taking 26 overs to amass 21 with the Black and Golds 43 for three.

A partnership between Charles Clark, who scored 20, and Alan Neave (8) saw a few extras accrued as the Arbroath change bowlers lacked the discipline of the opening pair.

They took it to 73 for three before Neave was dismissed.

The change spinners were to get wickets, however, as only the evergreen Gordon Croll – whose 28 not out included four fours and a massive six – helped the villagers post 123 all out.

In truth, 150 on the surface could have been a match-winning score.

Arbroath were tied down partly by the unpredictable nature of the wicket.

The talented Jack Waller decided to play his shots when he could, so several dot balls were followed by a big shot and the run rate of just under three an over got lower.

This approach got Arbroath off the ropes and on to the front foot.

Alan Neave grabbed a couple of wickets for Meigle, as did Roland Thorne, who was unlucky not to have a couple more with fielders being unable to capitalise on presentable chances in the outfield.

Thorne did manage a fantastic direct hit run-out from the 30-yard circle, but Meigle were left stranded on just four bonus points as the Smokies claimed the full 25 points by reaching 124 for four in the 32nd their allotted 45 overs.

Even the most optimistic in the Black and Gold faithful would have to acknowledge that the league title is now beyond reach and that a seventh championship will not be added to the club flag this year.

Giving youngsters such as Josh Edington and Fergus Barron a taste of the action will be the focus for the remainder of the season for the first XI.

Elsewhere, the second string could make only 100 all out at Victory Park against Forfarshire fourth XI on Sunday afternoon, losing by four wickets.

Prior to the Blairie going to press, the second XI were still in the 2 Counties Cup and have a semi final this week against Stoneywood/Dyce XI at Lochside Park, Forfar.

The first XI is now out of all cup competitions after their loss to Forfarshire second XI side last midweek in the PRD 3 Counties Cup.

The ‘Forfs’ made 136 for four in their 20 overs, while Meigle could only scramble to 97 all out with Alan Neave’s 23 the top score.

Meanwhile, the Great Meigle Bake Off Social six-a-side cricket event is looking for teams and players.

Further details in relation to the event – which takes place on August 13 – will be released shortly.