Inverclyde 86 all out (0 pts)

GHK Strathclyde 234 for 7 (25 pts)

INVERCLYDE'S winning run came to an end when they were well beaten by a strong GHK side at Gourock Park on Saturday.

The visitors made their intentions clear from the start with seven boundaries in the first four overs, but Craig Watson’s change of length and pace surprised Giagain who could only spoon a catch to Paul Singh at gully.

After the hectic start Inverclyde fought back over the next 15 overs in their best spell of the match, with captain Gareth James’ impressive pace bowling stemming the flow of runs.

Two confident leg before appeals were turned down, but Singh then had Balwant well caught by Dave Cooke at deep midwicket and Nisar caught behind by Douglas Pilkington.

James then accounted for opener Ijaz, who had been put down at slip in the first over, by a second Cooke catch at mid on, and then two fine catches by Craig Watson off Tom Watson and Scott Campbell took GHK to 129 for six after 29 overs.

However, just as it was looking as though Inverclyde may end the GHK innings early, Shakeel and Hamza fought back aggressively for the visitors over the final 10 overs, with only one further wicket falling, to take the total to 234 for seven after the allotted 40 overs.

Faced with this daunting target Inverclyde’s top order batsmen all fell to catches as they tried to keep up with the run rate and the contest was effectively over with the locals at 28 for five after 17 overs.

However, Stuart Callison and Billy Hair defended well and took the total to 73 until Callison was bowled by Ahmed and then after four boundaries, including a six over square leg, Hair was caught for 21 at 76 for seven.

Elizabeth McInnes was unfortunate to be run out, then Tom Watson was bowled, leaving David Mudie the not out batsman, as Inverclyde were bowled out for 86 in the 37th over after a dogged defence following the loss of the early wickets.

GHK move ahead of Inverclyde in WDCU Division Three, with Inverclyde slipping to sixth place.

They now meet Vale of Leven in another home match on Saturday.

l Coaching for Inverclyde’s juniors continues on Saturday from noon to 1.30pm.