Report on league game against North Inch Xl at North Inch 19th May 2001

North Inch skipper Michael Jackson called correctly on the Inch and had no hesitation in inserting Strathearn on a rather mossy looking track. The Strathie openers made light of the pitch condition and in moving steadily to 25 before McKinnie (12) was bowled by David Annstrong in the ninth over. Armstrong removed his fellow opener Morris (10) four overs later to leave the visitors 32-2.
Ian Pattullo and Jonathan Hill then steadily built a solid partnership at 52 against some impressive bowling from the North Inch youngsters, notably Graham Liaddow, before Hill departed in the 28th over for 27. The hosts gradually picked up wickets in a regular basis but Pattullo hung in well to steer his side to a challenging total of 142-S before he was dismissed in the final over having just reached 50.
As mentioned earlier, Haddow bowled his off spin very tidily and better catching could have brought him more reward than his final 3-33. David Armstrong also proved hard to get away, taking 2-22 from 12 overs.
When starting out in reply, North Inch found the pitch as tricky to bat on as their visitors, as their top three batsmen Jackson, Cameron and Haddow all having departed midway through the third over to leave the hosts 5-3. Dave Armstrong took the attack to the Strathie bowlers and had them on the back foot for a short time before falling to a fine catch with the score on 28-4. Billy Pennycook was then left as the sole remaining hope for North Inch to save the game and, assisted by two dropped catches, he dug in to prevent the visitors running through the youthful batting.
Stands of 39 with Matthew Foulds (8) an unbroken sixth wicket stand of 40 with Scott nd, Galloway (eight not out) denied Strathearn any chance of victory as the pitch became increasing benign. Pennycook showed good application to remain unbeaten at the end on 69 not out as the Inch side finished on 107-5.