Inverclyde 103 for 9 (1 pt)

Hamilton Crescent 104 for 4 (25 pts)

INVERCLYDE lost by six wickets to undefeated WDCU Division Three league pacesetters Hamilton Crescent at Williamfield Park in Stirling - but the locals gave a spirited batting and bowling performance to make the leaders work hard for their victory.

Losing the toss for the first time this season, Inverclyde were put into bat.

With regular opener Cammy Gunn a late call-off, Douglas Pilkington partnered Dave Cooke in a solid opening stand worth 47 runs until Cooke was caught behind in the 16th over.

Scott Campbell made his intentions clear with a fine off drive boundary from his first ball and helped increase the run rate, but he also fell to a sharp catch behind at 65 for two after 21 overs.

Pilkington was caught at square leg when he misjudged a pull shot to leave Inverclyde at 70 for three after 23, but Ally Haw continued his recent good form until he was bowled for 20 when he was deceived by a slower ball from the home captain Ross.

Dave Mudie, Gareth James, Chris Roffe, Chris Dick and Thomas McInnes all fell trying to push the score as Inverclyde dropped to 96 for nine in the 36th over, but Mark Blair and Tom Watson held out to take the score into three figures as Inverclyde’s innings finished at 103 for nine after 40 overs.

Inverclyde’s defence of this low total started well with Watson having Little caught in extra cover by Haw in the first over of the reply and then bowled Bratt in the third over to leave the home side at two for two.

Inverclyde captain Gareth James’ fine spell of bowling was rewarded when he bowled Charoe to leave Hamilton Crescent at 16 for three in the 8th over, and then two difficult chances were missed in slip as Inverclyde tried to take command.

A crucial point in the match came at 40 for three in the 16th over when opener Maddock survived a confident leg before appeal to Haw’s accurate spin bowling.

The opener and home captain batted well to take the score to 97 when the returning Watson sent the confident Ross back to the pavilion for 48 when he took his off stump.

However, this success came too late to prevent the fortunate Maddock scoring the winning runs in the 24th over to finish on 38 not out.

Watson finished with three for 25, and James one for 35, while Haw bowled well in his five overs for no reward.

Hamilton Crescent maintain top spot in the league with this victory while Inverclyde slip down one place in the league with four victories from their nine games played to date.

On Saturday Inverclyde are at home to Galloway Seconds, while junior coaching continues at noon. More information can be found about Inverclyde Cricket Club at Inverclydecricket.co.uk