St Andrews return to winning ways at Ifield

Dan Nichols grabbed a wicket with just the fourth ball of the game in St Andrews CC's win at Ifield CC 2nd XI. Picture by Derek Martin

And the Saints did just that, courtesy of an excellent run chase.

Saints, who won the toss and elected to field, got off to the perfect start, with Dan Nichols taking the wicket of Andy Piasko for a duck with the fourth ball of the match.

The hosts were soon two down with Nichols picking up his second wicket, with the score on 11.

Ifield then started to put together partnerships, reaching 77-4 with Jack Biden making 45, before Greg Barton (60) and Sudess Ali (45) threatened to take the game away from the visitors, putting on 111 in double quick time.

The game changed however, with the return of Shaun Nichols, who immediately removed both dangermen.

Saints then managed to take control, limiting the run rate, while picking up regular wickets, to restrict the hosts to 222-9 after their 40 overs. Shaun Nichols was the pick of the bowler with 5-33.

In reply, Saints got off to the worst start, with Angus Hill edging the second ball of the innings to gully.

However, Nick Elkins (55) and Ollie Brookes (60) were able to steady the ship, setting a platform with a partnership of 124.

Soon, there was a wobble. Both batters were removed, along with Alex Ellis (five) and Scott Lonsdale (three) in quick succession to leave the game in the balance.

Jack Biden (3-42) and skipper Mohammed Qazi (1-33) did the damage with the ball for Ifield.

However, Michael Platt (36*) and Adam Chilcott (29*) settled the Saints nerves with an unbeaten stand of 68, full of excellent running, with St Andrews reaching the challenging target of 223 with 2.1 overs to spare.

It was an enjoyable game, played in beautiful cricket weather, and in the right spirit.