Borderers lost the toss and were asked to field on a glorious, if slightly chilled, evening. The bowling overall was accurate and challenging. Manderston were very efficient, scoring off any slightly wide or short deliveries. Neil Johnson, a Borderer and Manderston member turning out for Manderston, opened the batting and top-scored with 62. Dropped on 44 by Richard Thomson (a Manderston and Borderers member playing for the Borderers), the missed chance possibly proving costly. Peter Jeffreys was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 for 15. Fred Huddleston excelled in the field with a stunning diving catch in the covers to dismiss the accelerating Johnson.

The top four scored 110 between them, while the remaining seven batsmen contributed a meagre 12 runs—equal to the extras total—leading to a final score of 134. At 114 after 14 overs, a score of 150+ looked likely. A decent return for the bowlers. 

Fielding second proved tougher due to low, glinting sunlight. Fred Huddleston and Ian Purvis started powerfully and composed, keeping up with the required rate of 7 runs an over. The foundation was well set at 65 for no loss after 10 overs. Fred walked in the following over, having feathered one behind, and the innings began to stall. Jamie Farr was caught and bowled for 7, and Peter Emerson was run out backing up without facing a ball. The collapse continued - Peter Jeffreys and Chris Wilson departed for 6 and 2, respectively.

The fall of wickets used up valuable overs and left Will Townshend (31 Not Out)  to rebuild and push for the win. Needing 20 from the final over, he managed to hit 12 and pick up a couple of extras, taking the game much closer than Manderston would have expected just three overs earlier.

A fine evening’s sport and an enjoyable game of cricket with real ebbs and flows, where the outcome remained uncertain until the final few balls were bowled.