Vale bowlers struggle in opener

May 1 2009 by Tina Kemp, Lennox Herald (main ed)

THE Vale began their 2009 season with a home league game against Hamilton on Saturday.

A strong Hamilton side won the toss and decided to bat. The Vale bowling attack was no match against the batsmen from Lanarkshire as they piled on the runs. Over 200 runs were amassed during their innings though Brian Stavert did manage to take three wickets.

In reply, the Vale were all out for less than 100 runs with only Alex McAdam offering any resistance by scoring over 30.

New captain John Birnie has much to ponder before next week’s league game.

On Sunday a home friendly against Innellan allowed the Vale batsmen some much needed practice before next week’s away league fixture against Ardrossan. The Vale scored over 100 runs with both Chris Dalby and Alex McAdam hitting 20 plus apiece.

Innellan struggled as Mohamed Qayyum took five wickets during his spell. The Argyll side scored only 88 before they lost all their wickets.

The Vale are the only cricket club in West Dunbartonshire and 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 visitt http://valeofleven.play-cricket.com/home/home.asp.