Dumfries Sports Club

APD Dumfries lost their Scottish Cup match against Watsonians at Benfield Park Nunholm on Saturday by 56 runs. Batting first the Edinburgh side scored 217 for 9 with a 125 run fourth wicket partnership restoring their fortunes from 39 for 3 and ultimately settling the course of the match.

Craig Wright, ex Scotland captain, hit 40 v Dumfries ©Roger Lever Photography

At three wickets down, and with Pat Druce having bowled South African professional Symes for just 5, Dumfries had their opportunity. However Scotland present and past, Ewan Chalmers with 90, and Craig Wright with 40 shared a century partnership and the home side missed crucial chances to break the partnership early. It took a good catch by Alan Davidson to deprive Chalmers of a deserved century and Watsonians lost further wickets in reaching 217. Dickie’s Bar Man of the Match Druce took five wickets, and Alan Davidson and Joe Clarke two each.

Dumfries had a similar difficult start at 55 for 4 but a partnership between Joe Clarke and Drew Dawson edged the side back into contention. However both were out with the score at 134 and any opportunity was lost as the side ended on 161 all out chasing runs in the remaining overs. Clarke top scored for Dumfries with 51. Peter Legget did the early damage for Watsonians with three wickets. On Saturday, APD Dumfries play at Penicuik also in the Scottish Cup.

On Sunday a young Brammer Dumfries team lost at Kelburne in the Sunday League. Openers Niall Alexander and Chris Bellwood scored 27 and 54 respectively but accurate bowling saw wickets tumble for a total of 128. Willie Allan hit 78 not out for Kelburne and Solarae Man of the Match Alexander took the only two wickets to fall to delay the outcome. On Saturday the seconds, CWE Nunholm, play Galloway at home in the Western Cup.

The Nunholm club’s junior coaching sessions are running on Monday evenings 6:15 to 8. These are also open to non-members, boys and girls. For more details on these and Senior, Midweek and Women’s cricket contact Trefor Williams (01387 256455), or email dumfriescricketclub@gmail.com, call in at training on Tuesdays and Fridays or see www.dumfriescricketclub.co.uk .

APD Dumfries started their season on Saturday with a convincing win over Ferguslie at Benfield Park Nunholm in their traditional first friendly match.

APD Dumfries side win season opener

Beveridge hit 80

On a remarkably good wicket and fast outfield for the time of year, Dumfries hit the ground running with opener Scott Beveridge dominating the opening exchanges and launching the first two sixes of the season. He and Chris Bellwood had put on an opening partnership of over 140 when Beveridge was unlucky to be run out for 80 by a deflection off the bowler when backing up.

Bellwood top scored with 87

Bellwood then took on the scoring mantle to earn the Anderson Kilts Man of the Match award for what was a well paced top score of 87. He and returning Aussie Josh Geary both looked in fluent form in reaching the 250. Geary was retired for a first knock fifty and Drew Dawson pushed on in the final overs with 36 not out for a big innings total off the 50 overs of 327 for 6 which was nearing a club record total.

Skipper Byers batting

Ferguslie, who were not at full strength on the day, struggled to make an impression on that total as the Dumfries bowlers stuck to good line and length and wickets were shared between the bowlers used. Alan Davidson and Niall Alexander claimed both openers and it was ex-Nunholm player David Sturgeon who top scored in the reply. Leg-spinners Jerry Goodin and Tom McBride and then the Aussie newcomer, Joe Clarke, each took two wickets. A final sharp run out by Tom McBride kept Ferguslie below the hundred and they were all out for 95 in the 36th over.

This weekend at Nunholm, Dumfries play Weirs in the Scottish Cup on Saturday starting at midday and then Hillhead in a friendly on Sunday. New players for the season are very welcome and can contact Trefor Williams (01387 256455), or email dumfriescricketclub@gmail.com, or introduce yourself at training on a Tuesday or Friday.

Junior Coaching: the club’s Monday junior summer sessions for those aged 8 to 14 start at Nunholm this Monday the 23rd April, 6:15-8pm. These are open to non-members and new, and beginner, boys and girls, are very welcome to come along or can use the above contacts for more information.

Scorecard: Match sponsored by Anderson Kilts. Sat 14 Apr.
APD Dumfries beat Ferguslie by 232 runs. Friendly at Benfield Park Nunholm
APD Dumfries 327 for 6 (50 overs) S Beveridge 80, C Bellwood 88, J Geary 56 rtd, A Dawson 36 no.
Ferguslie 95 all out (35.5 overs) D Sturgeon 22, J Goodin 6 overs 2 for 20,
J Clarke 5 overs 2 for 7, T McBride 5 overs 2 for 9
Anderson Kilts Dumfries Man of the Match: C Bellwood.