The Gala 1st XI season got off to a mixed start as they travelled to Goldenacre to take on Heriots 2nd XI. Solid performances with the bat from the top order would fill the travelling side however, with rain drizzling in the capital it would mean Gala would not get the chance to defend their score of 223, despite lowering the over amount to 40 for each side.

With skipper Josh Irvine winning the toss, he would choose to bat on what was an excellent wicket for batting. The opening pair of Finlay Rutherford and Sid Ponneri would set Gala off to an excellent start. The two batters would make an excellent opening stand of 116 to set the braw lads off well for the season. Both players struggled early on but dug in well to get past the tricky Heriots bowling attack. When comfortable the pair would look to open up and score some runs and it was Ponneri who was first in looking to score. He made an excellent half century until he was caught out trying to cut the ball off the bowling of Bacon. Joining Rutherford would be club pro Upul Indrasiri meaning things for the Heriots bowling attack would not get any easier. Rutherford would make a solid 41 before being stumped by wicketkeeper Wilson off the bowling of Bacon who picked up his second and final wicket. Irvine joined Indrasiri but would not last long as he scored 9 before being caught out after top edging the ball to the bowling of Macleod. Eddie Eyre would finish the innings not out on 9 however Indrasiri would be the real driving force in the Gala batting line up by making a brilliant and quick 78 not out which included 11 fours and 2 sixes after only facing 41 balls. This would mean Gala set Heriots a target of 224 to chase in 40 overs but as the rain continued to fall, umpires would call the game without Gala bowling a ball.

Gala will be disappointed not to get a chance to defend their total however it sets up the team well for next week as we welcome Carlton 2nd XI to Meigle Park.

GALA SCORECARD
S Ponneri c D Shoukat b T Bacon 59
F Rutherford st D Wilson b T Bacon 41
U Indrasiri not out 78
J Irvine c R Martin b H Macleod 9
E Eyre not out 7
Extras 29
Gala 1st XI 223-3 off of 40 overs

HERIOTS BOWLING
B Ali 4-0-16-0
D Shoukat 6-0-18-0
R Martin 7-1-49-0
A Farooq 4-0-9-0
E Hutchison 7-0-60-0
T Bacon 8-0-26-2
H Macleod 4-0-34-1