Simmons fails to inspire Greenock (31 August 1999)

31 August 1999

Simmons fails to inspire Greenock

Keith Graham

How are the mighty fallen. Phil Simmons's third appearance for Greenock as deputy for injured Tasmanian professional Dene Hills, brought scant reward against Aberdeenshire on Saturday at Glenpark.

Although he managed to capture the important wicket of Jason Arnberger when the Australian shouldered arms to a ball which nipped back for him to be adjudged lbw, when the big West Indian's turn at the crease came, his tenure lasted precisely three balls, paceman Peter Baxter getting the ball to move off the seam just enough to find the edge for a catch behind.

Indeed the visitors, still harbouring hopes of second placing in the Premiership, provided the only noteworthy batting on a day of dour cricket. Mike Smith at last showed a glimpse of the form which has eluded him throughout an unproductive summer, to thump 52 from 78 balls while skipper Neil MacRae, forsaking his opening role to come in at seven, also confirmed his consistency with an aggressive, unbeaten 39 as they reached 177 for seven in 52 overs.

The home batsmen found the going much tougher with Davie Arnott caught in the gully off David Cox's first ball and fellow-opener Chris Swan, who had earlier taken three wickets to confirm himself as the competition's leading amateur wicket-taker, following soon after.

Extracting every inch of movement from a seaming pitch, Baxter and Cox soon had Greenock reeling at 24 for six before Ronnie Thomson and Stuart McDonald dug in. Their departure signalled the end but Aberdeenshire had to wait until the final over before claiming the points and, with Heriot's finishing as runners-up by comfortably beating relegated Ferguslie, third place in the table.

Corey Richards's hundred and Mark Gilchrist's six-wicket haul brought champions West of Scotland their ninth victory of the season - relegated Stoneywood Dyce the victims - while Graeme Rummans' unbeaten 80 signed off Ayr's season with a victory over Carlton for whom Alan Olsen had a splendid century.

The first division title race was won by Prestwick with victory over Drumpellier, who were thankful to glean just enough points to avoid relegation. Hillhead's stunning victory over Freuchie enabled them to make the great escape with Strathmore destined for second division cricket next season by one point.

Perthshire put up a fight at Titwood, losing by just one wicket to runners-up Clydesdale, while victories by Stenhousemuir and Uddingston in the second division secured promotion for them, with only the title itself at stake next Saturday. Corstorphine's 13th defeat consigns them to feeder league cricket next season, with Kelso taking their place.

Source :: Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk)