Gladiators Ground the Falcons

Many thanks to the Falkland Falcons Under 13s who visited Gilvenbank Park tonight. The match was played as a T20 (20 overs-a-side) with 4 batting pairs facing 5 overs each, with any wickets taken providing 4 bonus runs to add to that teams score.

It was both teams first intermediate hardball game of the year, and great to see two debutants at this level for the Falcons.

Falcons skipper George won the toss, choosing to field first. Muhammed and Sukhpal opened the batting, with Alex for the Falcons making an immediate breakthrough in the first over (bowling Muhammed). But it was to debutant Innes for the Falcons who lit up the game, taking two excellent caught and bowled in consecutive deliveries before Ruben was unlucky to drop the hat-trick ball - keep going Innes, bowling like that you're sure to get another chance at a hat-trick. Gladiators 19 for 3 from the first 5 overs.

Amol and Anas faced up next, sharing a fantastic 49 run partnership with Anas in particular batting excellently for 24 not out, before Amol was unlucky to be bowled in their last over (by Callum) from a low-shooting ball - Gladiators 68 for 4 from 10 overs. Karthik and Ben batted solidly with good calling between the pair being the stand out. Both stayed not out and Gladiators moved to 99 for 4 from 15. Well done Innes and the other debutant Owen who bowled very well against this pair.

Final batting pair was Amy and Danny, and again both batted really well without losing their wicket - a couple of close calls with run-outs though! It was great to see young Danny finishing 3 not out, leading the Gladiators to a final score of 115 for 4 wickets from their 2 overs.

The Falcons opened with Blake and Rory in response, with skipper Anas opening the bowling and putting them on the back foot immediately with a maiden over. Amol followed up with another miserly over, though also rewarded with a wicket, bowling Blake. The third over saw Ben with a good throw to Karthik behind the stumps to complete a run-out, before Falcons saw themselves through to 21 for 2 from the first 5 overs.

Callum and Alex batted well, but were put under constant pressure with some good bowling. Ben claiming a wicket, bowling Alex, then Danny taking a wicket with his first ball (bowling Callum) and being unlucky not to take a second because of a dropped catch. The returning Amol got his second wicket, getting Alex who stepped away and opened up his stumps for the second time to be bowled. The unlucky Danny took an excellent catch but it was too tough for the umpires to make the on-field decision - third umpires check would no doubt have given it out.
Falcons 33 for 5 from 10 overs.

With Muhammed taking an excellent caught and bowled from a well struck shot by George, it was then Ben claiming his second run out with a direct hit from side-on with just one stump to aim for to push Falcons to 55 for 7 wickets from 15 overs. Last pair Ruben and Owen batted well, but the very grateful Amy and Sukhpal were pleased to claim a wicket each - Amy bowling Own, then Karthik taking a good caught behind for Sukhpal. Falcons finishing on 74 for 9 wickets.

With each wicket taken whilst fielding leading to 4 bonus runs to be added to their batting score, Gladiators finished on 151 for 4 against Falcons 90 for 9.

Overall, a great first game back for all the young cricketers, though some rustiness was to be expected. Outstanding debut for Innes on the Falcons side who was unlucky not to take a hat-trick, top all-round game for young Gladiator Danny with runs, a wicket (and a likely catch) and some quality dance moves in the outfield. Well done to everyone :)