Away Win in Shortened Match

After a long delay due to rain, West won the toss and chose to bat. The match was reduced to 26 overs per side but there were to be no further interruptions.

West's innings started with a flying rate and wickets falling. 23-1 after three overs became
28-4 by six overs. The run rate and the wicket column both perhaps a little high considering the testing conditions at Langloan. It was clear early on that the ball was moving with the bat beaten or ball edged 14 times in the first five overs.

However, there was a period of consolidation between Farndale and Braithwaite: 34 runs
took West to 68-5 from 15 overs. This steady phase allowed the lower order to cash in and take the run rate up to more than 5 per over.
Notably Corner (27 in 28 balls) and Etheridge (15 in 10 balls) took advantage of weaker
bowling to take West past what pundits were calling a par score.

After West’s mistake of going too hard at the
beginning, Drumpellier seemed to have burned their two best bowlers and the Mitres made hay again, finishing all out on 139.

In reply, Drumpellier quickly fell behind the rate. The pick of the bowlers were Farndale and Kleinveldt. The pro did not take a wicket but kept the rate down by regularly beating the bat and causing issues to the Drumpellier top order. Farndale made the ball turn prodigiously. The batsmen, by now needing over six an over, could neither consistently pick up singles or hit the rope.

This was combined with some truly excellent fielding from West meaning Drumpellier could only dot up. According to the club analyst, West saved 34 runs in the field thanks to some strong catching and two stumpings from Miller. The ground fielding was also strong in the ring.

Drumpellier hit out toward the end with over 10 an over required and with the field set back to stop boundaries, the home side looked to gain a consolation batting point. Drumpellier finished on 125-7. West came out winners by 14 runs.