Scotland Under 15 v Northants Under 15 – 28 & 29 July 2010

A brave batting display on the second afternoon of their two day match with Northants extricated Scotland from the prospect of a heavy defeat.

At lunch, following on, they were 74 runs in arrears, three wickets down and looking down the barrel when skipper Lyle Hill joined Andy Umeed at the crease. Their adhesive and positive 97 run partnership almost sealed the draw which was achieved when Omar Afridi carried his bat for an assured 27 not out. Andy batted with huge skill and determination to score 101 in 163 minutes.


Earlier things had been far from promising. Northants electing to bat on day one were pegged back to 121 for 5 when Ryan Nandha strode to the crease. What followed was a huge partnership, during which the Scots wilted alarmingly.

While Nandha was out for 76 Paul Harris (pictured) went on to finish with 126 not out at the declaration on 329 for 7.


Pick of the Scots bowling was Omar Afridi with 3 for 49 and Nicky Sim who bowled 9 overs for only 14 runs in the midst of the carnage.

This left the home side with 14 awkward overs to bat on day one. They were relieved to get to stumps for the loss of only Stuart Darroch for 26 from an opening stand of 43.

Next morning, a fourth day pitch, some excellent swing bowling and indifferent batting dropped the Scots in deep trouble. Charlie MacDonnell proved unplayable returning figures of 6 for 29.

Only the dependable Umeed (42) and a late flurry from Hill (60) held up Northants, Lyle being last out for a belligerent 60 runs compiled as he ran out of partners.


The Scots will need to bowl, field and defend better in Deventer next week. 

Sam Scott 30 July 2010

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