Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter | Sport

Tuesday, 6th January, 2009

Published: Tuesday, 28th August, 2007 10:59

VALE'S VITAL VICTORY

By Dumbarton Reporter Sport

VALE Cricket Club travelled to Ardrossan needing a win to move themselves out of the bottom three.

It was vital they eased any relegation worries after several matches were lost to the weather and a couple of disappointing results through player unavailability.

The home game against Ardrossan had ended in a high scoring draw and Ardrossan also needed a good result as they were only one place above the Vale.

Alistair Gray made a welcome comeback, re-appearing for the first time in a few years following his move to Wales.

Captain Stephen Bates won the toss and chose to bowl first on an artificial wicket that favours the batsmen, but with a chilly wind and the prospect of better conditions later in the day.

He opened the bowling with himself and Graham Lawrence and the pair delivered some good, accurate overs to restrict the runs, with some good support coming from the fielders in the early stages.

Stephen got the first breakthrough in the 11th over with Ardrossan having only scored 41 runs, David Carroll taking an excellent catch.

This was a valuable win for the Vale as Ardrossan’s plan to bat the Vale out of the game failed and the win has enabled the Vale to take a major step towards safety this season.

Highlight of the day were the impressive performances of Stephen and Graham in both scoring centuries in the match, something that has not been achieved by the club for several years.

Vale are now in a mid-table position with one match left but, with the situation still very tight, defeat could still result in relegation.

Everyone at the club appreciates the support of the Rossi Fish & Chip Bar in Bonhill, who sponsor the match ball each week and helps us to maintain the 155-year tradition of cricket in the Vale of Leven.

As the only cricket club in West Dunbartonshire, Vale are looking to recruit new players, especially from the Clydebank, Dumbarton and Vale of Leven areas.

Contact Hugh on 0141 951 8133 for more details or check out http://valeofleven.play-cricket.com

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