HELENSBURGH Cricket Club’s first XI fell to defeat away from home in their first WDCU fixture of the season on Saturday after being bowled out by St Michael’s for 123 runs.

Helensburgh chose to bowl first at Kingholm Park, but the Dumfries side’s openers put on 44 runs before Rajitha took the first wicket of the season.

Duncan Stephens and Darren Butler helped ensure a steady fall of wickets – and as the home side stumbled to 124 for 5, Helensburgh looked in control.

However, the St Michael’s tail wagged and the home side reached 190 all out; Stephens took four for 39 for Helensburgh and Darren Butler returned figures of 3-33.

Helensburgh struggled in reply, losing their first five wickets for just 41 runs. A partnership of 67 between Jarryd Clancy and Rajitha brought Helensburgh back into the game, but after Clancy (22) and Rajitha (43) fell, the home side capitalised, and eventually bowled Helensburgh out for 123.

Skipper Gregor Chambers said: “We bowled OK, but gave away too many extras and didn’t field too well.

“On a tricky pitch we didn’t adapt with the bat as well as we would have liked, but I was pleased that we stuck in there and didn’t capitulate as we have in the past.

“I was also pleased to see both Jarryd [Clancy] and Darren [Butler] bowl well and they seem to be starting to adapt to our conditions. Next week we take on Ayr at home, so we’re looking for a good response.”

Back at Ardencaple, GHK were the visitors as Helensburgh’s second XI took to the field with six seniors in the side and five juniors – four of whom – Campbell Overend, 14, and the 13-year-old quartet of Emma and Helen Niblock, Safwan and Ewan McCartney – were making their senior league debuts.

Batting first, Caple reached 187-1, with Syed carrying his bat and finishing on 99 not out.

GHK, however, managed to knock off the required runs with five overs to spare, Emma Niblock returning the best bowling performance of the day with figures of 2-15.

For more info on joining the Club see helensburghcc.co.uk or search for Helensburgh Cricket Club on Facebook.

All Stars Cricket sessions for young players aged between five and eight will be running at Ardencaple, led by first XI captain Gregor Chambers, from Thursday, May 16.

This is an England Cricket Board sponsored initiative aimed at introducing youngsters to the game and having fun. There’s still time to sign up at AllStarsCricket.co.uk, so come and have some fun.

Helensburgh CC is fully Child Protection compliant through Cricket Scotland and promotes inclusion for all.