Saints victorious after Highland raid

WHAT could have been a tricky visit to the notorious Highland wicket turned into a rout, with visitors Forres St Lawrence returning home with full points after another emphatic victory.

Deciding to bat first Highland lost their first wicket in the third over when Gus Farr trapped Lakwin LBW for nought. Farr took his second wicket a few overs later when he got the ball through the gap of bat and pad, sending the Highland captain Varun back to the pavilion for one. Rory Cameron and opener Sheshu tried to build a foundation for the batsmen but the bowling was too tight and by the 12th over bowler John Duff got into the act when Cameron top edged a swipe and was pouched by Gus Farr at mid wicket. Sheshu was now joined by Kenny Cameron with the score on 18 for three and a change of bowler saw Ryder replace Farr with his first over going for 10, but he gathered himself and soon had his name in the wickets column when Cameron mistimed a slog and the ball ended up in the hands of Dhami at cover. Then just two overs later Ryder trapped Leo in front of the sticks and Highland were 38 for 5. Saiju struck two before he became the first victim of Dhami bowling spin, caught by Derek Ross at backward square leg, and fellow change bowler David Durance took Hamish Christie’s wicket when Tony Farr took the spooned catch. At 55 for 7 opener Sheshu finally lost concentration and went for an uncharacteristic shot off Dhami’s bowling, well caught by Durance, for a patient 14. Durance mopped up the last two wickets finishing with 3 for 3 as Highland closed on 59 all out.

The Forres reply got off to a terrible start when Ryder was run out in just the first over but Dhami and the promoted Derek Ross settled things down. Dhami played each ball on its merits with Ross supporting and occasionally striking runs as Highland tried hard to make a game of it but despite Ross losing his wicket for a well fought 16, Dhami took the game away when he struck three fours from Varun’s second over. Ian Roberts was not out for 2, Pal Dhami not out for 33.

No game for the saints this weekend but they will be back in action against Northern Counties at Grant Park on Saturday, May 11.