From the Dressing Room: Rain curbs an exciting finish

Guest writer Joseph Carrasco reviews Allied Vehicles West of Scotland’s trip to Paisley to take on Ferguslie.

West of Scotland posted a competitive 226/7 from their 50 overs against Ferguslie, with a determined batting display anchored by an impressive unbeaten knock from Mekyle Pillay. The innings got off to a steady start, with captain Sam Page and Joseph Carrasco opening proceedings. Page made a useful 15 before falling lbw to Michael English, who would go on to be the pick of the Ferguslie attack. Carrasco looked in fine touch throughout his innings, making an attractive 45 before he too was dismissed lbw by English.

A quick wicket followed as Avaneesh Yilapavanam was run out, with David Stafford and Umayr Davids combining well in the field. Pillay and Moneeb Iqbal then came together to rebuild, with Iqbal contributing a stylish 31 before being caught by Stafford off the bowling of Taimoor Ahmad, but by that point Pillay had taken charge and remained immovable, finishing unbeaten on 69* at a strike rate of 87. A generous extras tally of 51 gave the innings a welcome boost, helping push the total to a respectable 226.

In the field, West of Scotland were unfortunate with the new ball, with multiple edges and deliveries beating the bat going unrewarded before Pillay dismissed David Stafford for 24. The West spinners adapted well to the difficult conditions, bowling tidily with a wet ball and keeping the run rate in check. The economical James Fennah outfoxed Michael English for 27, Anthony Hulatt taking what I’m sure he’d describe as a screamer (fully regulation).

Umayr Davids (50) and Taimoor Ahmad (22) remained unbeaten when rain brought proceedings to an early close. With Ferguslie on 146/3 from 31 overs, DL handed them the victory. West of Scotland will feel, however, that had the game gone the full distance, a couple more wickets would have made for a very exciting finish.