Oban cricketers get back to the crease

Oban Cricket Club played their first match for almost three years when they travelled to Fort Augustus on Saturday.

A match against a team who play in the Northern Cricket League was always going to be a tall order for an Oban club who have been short of match practice through the pandemic. But the team played their part in an entertaining game - losing out by 70 runs but, by no means disgraced against very strong opposition.

Fort Augustus batted first and 17-year-old Algy Ritchie, making his Oban debut, impressed with the ball, taking an early wicket to leave Fort Augustus 20 for 1.

The game was then stopped due to an injury suffered by Oban wicket keeper John Stones when a fast delivery bounced awkwardly catching the keeper in the face.

Fort continued to score well but Oban’s bowlers stuck to the task with Charlie Takei, Mark Parry and Ben Bartholomew all taking wickets to keep the visitors in the game.

Michael Redford took the last wicket as Fort Augustus closed on a total of 220. Oban began well but against a strong bowling line-up, wickets began to fall as the required run rate increased. Andrew Leach, Ronnie Kelly, Mark Parry and Ben Bartholomew all made useful runs but eventually Oban were all out for 150 to lose by 70 runs.

Anyone who is interested in coming along to try cricket should call Ronnie Kelly on 07986 405961.