1s fell to an agonising defeat to league leaders Masterblasters in an entertaining game at Rubislaw played out in a good spirit albeit in miserable conditions. Both teams did well to get a full game completed in what were wet conditions making handling the ball extremely challenging as the game went on.
Grammar had compiled a competitive 188 all out from 39.5 overs and kept the visitors in check throughout in a nip and tuck game, Masteblasters scrambling home with 2 balls to spare. As has been the case all season, no one could go on and make a big score with Penman 26, Keith 24, Haider 23 and Swiergon 18 all contributing. Extra also helped substantially with an astonishing 44 wides in the 49 extras.
Grammar had started well and reached 42 with minimal alarms, before Haider was run out, perhaps reacting slowly to Keith’s call. Salman Bedaar was done by a rare straight Malireddy delivery to fall LBW for a duck, before Keith and Swiergon added 40 but both fell in quick succesion as GHrammar slipped to 93 for 4. Morrison joined Penman and they ran hard to add 36 with just one boundary, Penman playing the more pleasing shots in a good looking innings. Others chipped in to support Penman and despite regular setbacks, Grammar were not unhappy with 188.
Grammar wasted no time in dispatching Thaker 1st ball, stand in keeper Penman claiming a good catch off Hassaan. Kache and Tenneti then proved tough to dislodge adding 52, Kache going for 24, cracking Nasseri head hight o Haider to take a sharp catch.
Ex Grammar men Tenneti and Vijapur then combined in a long knock nearly doubling the score playing with good sense while surviving a missed run out that Penman might have hoped to execute. In fact it took another run out chance to break the stand, Morrison sliding and throwing to find Vijapur short by a yard on 22. Grammar needed wickets but were frustrated by Tenneti again and skipper Narne who seemed to be pushing the visitors towards the win when Hassaan took a fine catch off Bedaar to end an excellent 53 from Tenneti to breath life into Grammar. C Mallireddy then was brilliantly caught by Prash on the run, the soaking ball superbly claimed – Masterblasters now 152 for 5. Next ball new man Kuttykrishnan was magnificently run out by keeper Penman, a dead eye hit from 25 yards proving easier than a throw from 20 yards closer.
Masterblasters got within 10 of victory and seemed to have things wrapped up but Morrison struck again in the field running the Masterblasters skipper out for 41. There was late drama as Mallireddy and Khan scrambled runs to get within victory and the winning runs were claimed on an overthrow after Grammar shelled a tough catch to end an exciting game.
On the opening day Grammar were well beaten by the same team and got 20 points so to come so close and get 3 points less always seems a little odd. However it was a good game played in good spirit by both sides with all results possible going into the final over.
Next up Grammar travel to Inverurie, a venue where they have often struggled. Both teams will be keen to get some points on the board.
Man of the Match
Hamish Penman for a sensible innings with some good shots and clever running, which was backed up by good wicketkeeping an eccellent catch and run out.
Champagne Moment
Hamish Penman’s superb run out to keep Grammar in the game.
