Gala are on the verge of promotion after Sid Siddhu led the Braw Lads to a five wicket win against Watsonians 2nds at Meigle Park.
Siddhu scored a superb unbeaten 65 as Gala overcame their opponents’ total of 115 to stay top of Division One.
Ground staff Stevie Halls and Davie and Caitlin Ormiston carried out a minor miracle to get the game played, after the consistent heavy rain during the previous week had left Meigle Park sodden.
While the pitch was green and outfield damp, it was certainly playable and produced a tense and exciting game.
Watsonians chose to bat first upon winning the toss, but were soon in deep trouble at 53 for 5 as Jack Gammie, Rory Hancock and Kenny Paterson all made good catches, with Scott Evans, Scott Paterson and Dean Moir among the wickets.
Worse was to follow for the Edinburgh side as they slumped to 74 for 8, as Dinesh Tharanga claimed Willsdon with a superb slower ball, Hancock and Duncan Millar combined for a brilliant run out of Robertson and Paterson bowled Burgess.
But youngsters Abbey (16 not out) and Vehlow (23) batted with maturity and skill to add 41 for the ninth wicket before Evans bowled Vehlow and Moir brilliantly ran out last man Baltzer to conclude the innings.
Evans was top bowler again with 3 for 20, with Scott Paterson (2 for 21) and Moir (2 for 25) also among the wickets.
In reply, Siddhu played with his usual aggressive style while Max Hastings played an anchor role to take Gala to 35 before being adjudged lbw to Abbey.
There was then controversy when Siddhu was caught by Willsdon off a Burgess delivery, only for a no ball to be given. It was a late call which left Watsonians furious but the umpire was adamant Burgess’ front foot had been beyond the crease.
Millar (11) fell soon after lbw to Burgess and captain Dinesh Tharanga was then run out as Gala began to creak at 66 for 3.
But Evans and Ross Patterson supported Siddhu well to get Gala to the verge of victory, before the Indian clipped another four in the 28th over to seal the win.
Siddhu finished with 10 fours and deservedly picked up the man of the match award from main sponsor Sinclair Duncan on the club’s annual Supporters Day.
Watsonians 2nds
F. Kinloch ct R. Hancock b S. Evans 11
F. Sands ct J. Gammie b D. Moir 5
C. Martn b D. Moir 4
K. Rae ct K. Paterson b S. Evans 11
O. Robertson run out (R Hancock) 16
P. High lbw S. Paterson 7
C. Willsdon b D. Tharanga 10
E. Burgess b S. Paterson 2
A. Abbey not out 16
D. Vehlow b S. Evans 23
G. Baltzer run out (D. Moir) 0
Extras – 10
Total – 115 for ten wickets
D. Moir 9-1-25-2; S. Evans 9-2-20-3; S. Paterson 9-2-21-2; D. Tharanga 9-2-14-1; R. Hancock 2.4-0-14-0; R. Patterson 2-0-16-0.
Gala
S. Siddhu not out 65
M. Hastings lbw A. Abbey 4
D. Millar lbw E. Burgess 11
D. Tharanga run out (F. Kinloch) 0
S. Evans ct C. Willsdon b P. High 0
R. Patterson ct C. Martin b P. High 5
K. Paterson not out 0
Extras – 23
Total – 117 for five wickets
F. Sands 6-0-27-0; A. Abbey 5-1-18-1; E. Burgess 8.4-1-42-1; P. High 8-0-20-2.