Normal Service Resumes

Mannofield arrived at People's Park with a much changed side from the one that had suffered defeat to Arbroath the week previous. Indy Yahathagoda, Kieran Findlay, Ben Searson and the father and son combination of Steve and Connor Shorten were all drafted in to the XI. On a good looking track, Jamieson stuck by his philosophy of bowling first and with a wicket in the first over of the game this appeared the correct choice. Anderson had SDCC stawlart, Martin Reid, caught by Nathakumaran. Young Connor Shorten shared the new ball and performed brilliantly. Despite yielding no wickets, the batsmen had no answer to his persistent line and length and his figures of 2-2-19-0 highlighted his miserly spell. Van Oorschot yet again produced a fine display of bowling during his 7 overs. The batsman never appeared comfortable with his pace and bounce and he was rewarded with a brace. Indy bowled a tidy 6 overs but it was once again David Gamblen who produced the wicket taking deliveries. 3 wickets in a spell of 6 overs never allowed the oppositon to obtain any sort of foot in the game. Steve Shorten was Mannofield's 6th bowler and like those before him, produced an excellent and consistent spell of bowling. Rarely straying off line or length, Steve's bowling was every bit as good as his figures suggest, 5.2-1-14-2. SDCC's innings finished their innings, 114 all out.

Taking nothing for granted following the recent failures in the batting department, Mannofield knew there was pressure on to chase the seemingly under par target. The usual opening partnership of Shay Nanthakumaran and Andy Innes were once again handed the responsibility. A brisk start to the innings, with 17 put on the board after 3 overs began to put some fears of a collapse to bed. However, Innes received a good in swinging delivery from the left handed opener, which gave the SDCC side a lot of heart and Mannofield much to ponder. However, Nathakumaran was joined by Indy Yahathagoda who instantly began to take the game away form the home side. He dispatched the opening bowler's 4th over for 22. It was the medicine that Mannofield had been requiring for a few weeks now, and it was worth the wait. Indy made a terrific 43 before being well caught of the long on boundary. He was joined back in the pavillion soon after by Nanthakumaran who had once again looked in fine form with a very well constructed 30 runs.
Shay deserves tremendous praise for his continuous good form at the top of the order. Rarely does he have a fail and the defeats in the recent pass would have looked a lot more embarassing had it not been for his efforts. Forever at the top of Mannofield's batting averages come the end of the season, his consistency is second to none.
Kieran Findlay (6 not out) and Grant Jamieson (28 not out) finished the run chase within the 20 over mark. It was the first time this season that Mannofield had not required all 11 batsmen.

A thoroughly deserved win by Mannofield, with performances throughout the team which is always good to see. To be picky, the 30 runs conceeded in extras was the only downfall. Hopefully a return to form by the champions!