LINDOW'S YOUTHFUL TAIL WAGS TO KEEP THE PROMOTION (BARN)DOOR WIDE OPEN
Lindow triumphed against a top of the table Barnton side to maintain
their promotion challenge. At the end both teams agreed on what made the
difference between the two sides - a resolute and mature final wicket
stand of 55 runs between youngsters Alex Pate (22no) and Laurie
McClymont (26no), which propelled Lindow from an unconvincing 100-9 from
37 overs to 155-9 at the close. Those eight overs changed the whole
complexion of the game, suddenly a confident Barnton team went quiet
whilst Lindow were re-energised, fully aware that 155 on a wet Lindow
track was a good target to set.
Stand in captain Wild won the toss and elected to bat. Lindows' innings
began steadily but on a seaming, uneven pitch the opening bowlers Donald
(20-2-52-6) and Bowyer (12-3-31-2) made early inroads and Lindow
collapsed from 21-0 to 58-6, with only James Squires (20) offering any
resistance. Coldwell (14) and and an impressive Blomfield (25) moved the
team onto the century mark until Donalds' metronomic bowling removed
both batsmen leaving Lindow on 100-9, staring down the barrell of a
defeat, which would make the promotion challenge difficult. It was at
this point that Pate and McClymont entered the fray and set about the
Barnton attack, although the curious withdrawal of Donald from the
attack and some loose bowling from his replacements provided the last
wicket pair with enough bad balls to move the score on without taking
any unnecessary chances.
Lindow knew the game was still in the balance against a strong Barnton
batting line up, however, disciplined bowling from Ahmed (10-2-36-1) and
the impressive McClymont (7.4-1-18-3) removed the top order cheaply.
Lindow continued to take wickets at regular intervals, with accurate
bowling from Pate (6-1-19-1) and Peel (4-2-2-1). But it was the
introduction of Coldwell (8-3-10-4) which made the difference, helped by
some excellent catching, in particular from McClymont at cow corner.
McClymont was introduced back into the attack and rounded off an
accomplished display by removing the final Barnton batsman.
This was a deserved victory for Lindow bringing 25 welcome points at
this stage in the season. Lindow must continue this form for the next
match against 3rd place Lymm on Saturday.
