Wilson's efforts too little
For the second time this season St Boswells proved too strong for Selkirk and, in the process, confirmed their credentials as challengers for this year's Border League, writes Alex Massie.
Despite going down by 87 runs, the Philiphaugh side performed more gallantly than had been the case when Selkirk visited St Boswells earlier in the season.
Boosted by the availability of Steven Wilson for the first time this year, skipper John Everitt asked St Boswells to bat first, reckoning that the former Scotland B man's efforts might be the most likely to lead Selkirk to success. Indeed, for the first dozen overs, St Boswells' openers were scarcely able to score. After ten overs, they had combined for just nine runs, pegged back by accurate bowling and some keen fielding.
Wickets, alas, were proving as hard to come by as runs and although Wilson bowled Scott Ruthven, that merely brought danger man Steven Broom to the crease. Broom made the most of the good fortune that came his way and managed to plunder 88 runs.
As the partnership seized control of the game, Selkirk's fielding, hitherto tighter than sometimes, began to become a little ragged – neither fielders nor bowlers were able to stem the flow of runs as the duo galloped past the century mark. Wilson, however, had been held in reserve and still had four overs remaining. They would prove dramatic ones.
Broom flashed and edged and was smartly caught by Banks behind the stumps; Turnbull was bowled and Kathryn White received a brute of a delivery that would have dismissed any batsman in the league. One by one the wickets toppled but despite Wilson's efforts, 218 was a more than respectable total.
If Selkirk were to chase it down, they needed an excellent start and, crucially, two or three proper partnerships. The first of these was accomplished as the home side skipped along to 30/0 after eight overs and the Selkirk innings looked as if it was being built on firm foundations.
Unfortunately Greg Fenton then scooped Elliot Hunter to mid-off just when he looked as though he might be set for a long innings. Bob Wilkinson nudged and nurdled to decent effect while Banks was just beginning to unleash his driving skills when he hammered a full toss from White straight to Ruthven.
With that dismissal, whatever last vestiges of hope Selkirk had more or less evaporated and the spoils went to St Boswells.
St Boswells
R. Young, c Banks b Fenton 12
S. Ruthven, b Wilson 5
S. Broom, c Banks b Wilson 88
S. Turnbull, b Wilson 91
K. White, c Banks b Wilson 0
R. Elms, run out 6
E. Hunter, b Wilson 4
E. Ruthven, b Wilson 0
S. Marshall, b Wilson 0
Extras 12
Total for 8 218
Selkirk
G. Fenton, c Marshall b Hunter 17
J. Everitt, c Broom b Hunter 32
N. Kearns, lbw b Hunter 0
R. Wilkinson, b White 16
R. Banks, c Ruthven b White 9
T. Penman, b White 7
D. Fenton, b Marshall 2
S. Wilson, c Young b White 1
J. Reid, c Marshall b Hunter 9
A. Massie, b White 13
I. Buckley, not out 6
Extras: 19
Total all out 131
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Weather for Selkirk
Friday 25 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
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