Match report: Scotland v Lancs in NCL 2003

Match report: Scotland v Lancs in NCL 2003 by Neil Adams

Scorecard:

Summary

Lancashire climbed to the top of division two following yet another fine all round one day perform against Scotland in Edinburgh. Perhaps the defeat inflicted by Scotland at Old Trafford back in May served a useful purpose, as Lancashire have not lost an NCL match since. The defeat also fully focused the players minds before the start of this match. They were determined not to suffer a second unthinkable loss. The other incentive to inflict a loss against Scotland came in the shape of the opportunity to lead the the other 9 teams in the table. Scotland soon lost their way and found themselves 1 for 2 in the 3rd over. An interval of one hour provided the hosts with time to reflect on their poor start. However, a total of 168 was never likely to challenge Lancashire's superior batting line-up, and the long drive home seemed a small price to pay for such a great day out

Bowling Performance of the Day

Lancashire used 6 bowlers including Hooper and Schofield in tandem at one stage. Once again, John Wood returned the best figures - 4 for 22 from 2 spells (2 for 12 & 2 for 10). He captured the prize wicket of Dravid in the 16th over. Scotland's overseas player failed to withdraw his bat sufficiently whilst attempting to leave the ball alone outside off-stump. Wood also removed Smith and Stanger within the space of 5 balls in his final over - another top class effort

Batting Performance of the Day

Mal Loye blasted 88 not out from 92 balls including 10 x 4 & 3 x 6. Mark Chilton scored 69 not out including 11 x 4 from 83 balls. Together the pair steered Lancashire to a comfortable 10 wicket victory. Mal Loye survived 4 chances during his innings and a skied opportunity which fell between 2 fielders. Chilton did not offer any chances but was noticeably less fluent during the early phase of Lancashire's reply

Fielding Performance of the Day

Peter Martin made one fantastic stop on the third-man boundary to prevent a four. He dived low to his right and managed to control the ball despite the fact it reared up at the very last moment. Martin also provided a tremendous amount of advise to Mahmood during his bowling spell

Highlights of the Day

John Wood's spell of bowling
Mal Loye and Mark Chilton's super partnership - in particular Mal Loye's sweep for 6
The excellent venue - it made a change to visit a new ground

Lowlights of the Day

The number of "No-balls" conceded - 5 - a better side would have punished Lancashire more severely than Scotland from the "free-hit".
Sajid Mahmood struggled to bowl a straight line. He paid the price by conceding 33 runs from just 5 overs (3 wides and 1 no-ball)

Contentious Discussion Point of the Day

James Brinkley was warned by umpire Holder to "Cool-down" following a couple of leg before wicket appeals which were turned down

Key Notes of the Day

Scotland won the toss and elected to bat
Lockhart lbw b Chapple 1 for 1 in the 2nd over - Watson 0*
Watson caught Hooper bowled Martin 0 (Second slip) - 1 for 2 in the 3rd over - Brinkley 0*
Brinkley caught Hooper bowled Wood 21 (Mid-wicket) - 41 for 3 in the 12th over - Dravid 16*
50 for 3 in the 14th over - Dravid 24* Kent 1*
Dravid caught Hegg bowled Wood (Trying to leave ball alone) - 57 for 5 in the 16th over - Smith 4*
Wright 5 caught from a free-hit - 70 for 5 in the 20th over - Smith 6*
100 for 5 in the 27th over - Smith 18* Wright 16*
3.45pm rain stops play
Game restarts at 4.45pm - reduction of 12 overs (6 per side) - 10 minute interval
50 partnership - 107 for 5 in the 28th over - Smith 24* Wright 17*
Smith 27 dropped by Hooper (Tough chance) - 114 for 5 in the 31st over - Wright 21*
Smith caught Chilton bowled Wood 28 - 119 for 6 in the 32nd over - Wright 23*
Stanger caught Hegg bowled Wood 4 - 123 for 7 in the 32nd over - Wright 23*
150 for 7 in the 37th over - Wright 37* Haq 11*
168 for 7 from 39 overs - Wright 46* Haq 17* - innings closed

Loye 14 dropped Maiden (Point) - 28 for 0 in the 7th over - Chilton 10*
51 for 0 in the 10th over - Chilton 24* Loye 22*
Loye 42 missed stumping by Smith - 76 for 0 in the 16th over - Chilton 25*
Loye 44 missed catch behind by Smith - 80 for 0 in the 18th over - Chilton 26*
50 Loye from 55 balls (7 x 4 & 2 x 6) - 90 for 0 in the 18th over - Chilton 26*
100 for 0 in the 20th over - Loye 60* Chilton 30* also 100 partnership
Loye 65 missed stumping by Smith - 126 for 0 in the 23rd over - Chilton 48*
50 Chilton from 74 balls (8 x 4) - 129 for 0 in the 24th over - Loye 66*
150 for 0 in the 27th over - Loye 75* Chilton 62*
170 for 0 from 29 overs - Loye 88* Chilton 69*
Lancashire 4 points won by 10 wickets, Scotland 0 points

Man of the Match

A choice between John Wood and Mal Loye - 2 vastly different roles but equally as important - your shout!