2nd XI Succumb to the Modies

A depleted Glenrothes 2nd XI welcomed the Breedon Strathmore and Perthshire Cricket Union (SPCU) Division 2 leaders St Modans to Gilvenbank Park on Saturday 25th June. Unfortunately, a large raft of unavailabilities and call-offs across the club meant the 2s were only able to play with nine players, and the shortfall told.

Glenrothes batted first and soon realised the difficulties they would be facing as the impressive opening bowlers Glen and Yadav soon found their line and length - and at good pace. Melvin Tomy was first to go and he was bowled by Yadav, bringing young Karthik Coppissetty to the crease with his father Ravi Kiran.

Kiran having battled hard to see of the opening bowlers, but unfortunately was trapped LBW of the last ball of his opening spell. Coppisetty looked solid though this early phase, though departed to a catch chopped up to square leg.

Amith Benny, playing in his first game, showed great intent with his batting and soon got a partnership going with youngster Muhammed Tayyiub - who was also looking solid but then absolutely "smoked" an on drive to be caught well at mid-on.

Benny, having hit two 4's and two 6's, in a quickfire 23 was bowled by the ecstatic McGeachy, and from there wickets continued to fall before Glenrothes were bowled out for 65 after 24 overs.

With only nine players, and many inexperienced, it was always going to be a tough ask to defend such a low total but great credit to the Glenrothes players for working hard.

Tomy opened the bowling against the St Modans team keen to attack from the off - he may have went for 18 runs from his over but he also took a wicket as young Glen snicked behind to wicket-keeper Nic Krzyzanowski.

Young Ben Krzyzanowski opened at the other end, and demonstrated his increasing confidence and bowling skills to trouble the batters and bring a number of chances - two catches through a gap in the slips areas, a dropped catch from a leg-slide snick and a dropped catch on the boundary also. But he was deservedly rewarded in his spell, bowling opener Cox.

Ravi Kiran was the other bowler, also snaring a deserved wicket as he bowled McGeachy, but from there the impressive Yadav (24 not out) with Gowda (19 not out) was able to see St Modans home for the victory in the 7th over with the loss of 3 wickets.

With the sun still shining (though some rain occasionally falling) both teams agreed to a second game with mixed teams played as 12 overs-a-side, ensuring everyone got the chance to contribute something through the day. It was to be a last ball win for the combined Glenrothes-St Modans team over the other combined Glenrothes-St Modans team - great to see everyone having fun.

Many thanks to the St Modans team for the positive spirit in which they approached the whole day - some very impressive cricketers in the team!