The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Frustrated Shire rue one that got away Venske ponders what might have been after draw
Aberdeenshire captain Chris Venske conceded to experiencing a mixture of emotions in the wake of his side’s drama-packed tie against Grange at Mannofield on Saturday.
It was a case of what might have been for him, both in a positive and negative sense.
Century-maker Venske said: “We could easily have lost the match but maybe we should have won it.”
The outcome halted Grange’s run of victories, while also boosting Shire’s revival. He explained: “For much of the contest it could have gone either way. We batted first and were struggling a bit on 45 for four, so at that point if you had offered me a tie then I would’ve bitten your arm off.
“I was frustrated to get out with nine overs of our innings left because there were still plenty of runs available to me.
“We could have posted a total exceeding 250 rather than the 223 that we did reach.”
In the tense finale, Grange needed five from the last over to snatch the glory, with young Connor Shorten being entrusted to bowl.
He held his nerve in a manner that impressed Venske, who added: “The grit and determination shown by the lads in the closing stages made me a happy captain. Connor’s feat in restricting them to four runs in these six balls was special.”
On his own knock of 110, he said: “I was pleased with my knock but I got out at the worst time.”
Shire coach David Cox added: “Connor was a hero – it was a great way to mark his selection or his call up to the Scotland U19’s.
“The lower order worked well with Chris to build a platform after a horrendous start.
“It was a really galvanised team performance with contributions throughout.
“But the tally of 24 extras that cost us the game, not for the first time this season.
“We should have won, but I’ll take five points and look forward to Heriot’s next weekend.”
Six Grange batsmen got over the 20 mark but Harris Aslam and Ryan Flannigan top scored with 31 each.
This fact was testament to Aberdeenshire’s persistence in the field.
Venske himself was no mean performer with the ball, taking two for 31 in 10 overs.
Elsewhere, an under-strength Arbroath surrendered their unbeaten record to Glenrothes, while Forfarshire swept aside the challenge of basement boys Falkland.