Dornoch captain Schleter hails ‘amazing’ win over Ross County 2nds in Development Cup
Dornoch cricketers celebrated into the early evening after securing their first competitive win in over 28 years on Sunday.
On a fine sunny day at the Meadows, a good scattering of local support came along to watch the local side host the unbeaten Ross County 2nds in their final Development Cup match of the season.
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With County all out for 87 after the first innings, Dornoch went on to make history by finishing on 101 for eight, winning by two wickets.
The victory confirmed a third place finish (out of four) for the club in their regional group.
Dornoch club captain Chris Schleter said: "I am really proud of everyone involved with Dornoch. We have been doing a lot of work off the field since February, from sponsorships, to trying to obtain funding, and the recruitment of cricketers relocated to the Highlands or anyone wishing to start.
“So to a get a win on Sunday was amazing. We will be entering the Development League next year as we are looking to progress as a club with healthy numbers and to grow cricket at the most northern club in Scotland.”
The visiting County made a good start batting after Dornoch had won the toss, with some lavish strokes and a few extras conceded as the bowlers found their range.
The sixth over saw a breakthrough with the impressive Cameron Hook clean bowling the dangerous Schazzarad for 28.
Over seven then saw Schleter join the bowling attack alongside Vince Greaves-Newell with the score at 45 for one.
Some fine line and length bowling restricted the visitors in runs and taking regular wickets, and after 14 overs the visitors found themselves in a bit of a hole at 57 for four.
Schleter finished with figures of three for 16 in six overs and Greaves-Newell two for 12 in four overs.
Another change in bowlers saw the visitors start to get going again, moving to 87 for seven after 20 overs.
The improving debutant Peter Miller got his first two wickets for Dornoch, along with tight bowling from Matt Millward who ended with two wickets for just two runs in his short spell, including the final Ross County wicket in the 28th over, with the visitors all out for 97.
After the change of innings, following hospitality provided by Surf & Turf on Castle Street, Dornoch got off to slow but watchful start taking just three runs from the first four Ross overs.
Tight bowling from the Ross captain Renato Belli saw him get his first two wickets of the game.
At seven overs, the Sutherland club had just 12 runs on the board for the loss of two wickets. Meanwhile, the dangerous Graham Dowall was dropped at mid off, and this sparked him into action.
Pushing the score along to 61 for two, with just one ball until the drinks break Dowall’s partner Matt Millward was caught out by Ross County's Steve Embleton.
Dowall continued after the drinks break, along with Phil Scott they quickly pushed the score onto 80 for three.
As per Development Cup rules, Dowall retired at 38, leaving Dornoch in a strong position needing just 18 to win from 12 overs.
Scott continued to push the score along seeing various partners depart, at the hands of the dangerous Belli, who ended with five wickets for just six runs. DCC limped onto 92 for eight, with eight overs remaining.
Ensuring another tense and nervy ending and with the scores tied at 97, the last of any recognised batsmen departed as Scott stepped up to launched a loose delivery through deep mid-wicket to score four runs and the win for Dornoch.
Dornoch — Stuart Tode, Graham Dowall, Cameron Hook, Chris Schleter, Matthew Millward, Phil Scott, Vince Greaves-Newell, Ashley Rose, Peter Miller, Kevin Woodward, Lewis Andrew, Scott Matheson (12th man)
The result was well received by the crowd, as Dornoch celebrations continued after the game and into the early evening.
Dornoch cricket club continue to train every Tuesday from 6pm at the Meadows and welcome all players — old, new and curious.