Salthill  8 May 2011

Report by Sam Mellor

Pics by Rob Newey, Basic Print and Web

Arun kicked off the season with a draw, after a disappointing batting display saw them fall well short of Salthill’s total of 165 for 8.

However, a lot of encouragement was taken from the game, as Arun produced one of their best fielding displays in recent years, and bowled with real control.

In particular, Patrick Atherton and Mark Rose bowled with accuracy, (in Patrick’s case real pace), and Laurie Mellor added to his mammoth wicket haul with an impressive five-for.

Arun then got off to the worst possible start to their innings, with opener Dale and Sam dismissed within the first 5 balls of the innings.

Graham looked classy but was out cheaply, and Arun were soon 22-3. Jordan and Chris Gilham then consolidated for a period, with Jordan in particular showing real maturity to hold the innings together after a shocking start by the team. He eventually departed on 36. By the time the late order came in, the total was out of reach, with a draw looking the most likely result.

We still had time for an exciting cameo from Ian, who finished on 14 not out, before we finished with an in-the-end relatively easy draw, ending on 100 for 8.

Bowling:
Pat Atherton - 12-2-45-2
Mark Rose - 8-0-24-1
Laurie Mellor - 9-1-36-5
Ian Clarke - 6-0-25-0
Chris Staight - 3-0-26-0

Batting:
D. Harris 0
J. Atkinson 36
S. Mellor 0
G. Rees 11
C. Gilham 11
Phil Atherton 10
Pat Atherton 1
C. Staight 0
I. Clarke 14 not out
M. Rose 0 not out
L. Mellor DID NOT BAT

Shot of the Day:
Clarkey’s cover drive at the end.

Ball of the Day:
Laurie’s “perfect” leg-break to claim his 4th wicket. The next batsman had to then wait several minutes while Laurie talked the skipper through the dismissal.

Fielding of the Day:
Chris Gilham’s brilliant catch and subsequent 5 minute rest.

Div of the Day:
Skipper. Golden duck. Nuff said.

Moment of the Day:
Whatever Jordan was thinking at 5 balls into the game, watching from the other end as Arun lost 2 wickets in the first over.

Man of the Match:
Toss-up between Laurie’s excellent 5 wicket haul and Jordan’s extremely mature 36 at the top of the order in difficult circumstances. Laurie edges it.