Bowlers' efforts in vain as firsts slide to defeat

THE Dubai Wanderers 1stXI's winning streak came to an abrupt end on Saturday as they were beaten by six wickets by a strong Ajman Heroes outfit.

The result was somewhat of a hefty fall from grace for the side that had won its previous two games by 10 wickets. In truth, the batting line up, maybe slightly hampered by the lack of middle action in recent weeks, never reached the heights expected as Wanderers posted just 138 before being bowled out.

It hadn't looked that way when, despite the early loss of Clint Berkenshaw, they were nicely poised at 69-1 from 10 overs with Jack Luffman and Brannon Varley seemingly well set after positing a 53 run partnership. Unfortunately they both lost their wickets within seven balss of each other, Varley bowled for 26 from 25 and Luffman caught after an injudicious shot for 41 form 36 deliveries.

From that juncture, as has been the case at times this season, the Ajman Heroes heaped huge pressure on the Wanderers middle to lower order which failed to capitalise on the solid start. Dan Pawson (16), skipper Dave Adams (16) and Abdullah Kayani (22) all made decent starts but the fall of regular wickets prevented a late innings onslaught.

Wanderers have a potent bowling attack with all bases covered and had the Heroes reduced to 61-3 thanks to opening bowlers Berkensahw (2-52) and Kamran Shaheen (1-25) but it was the introduction of Ben Quirk that suddenly swung the game in his side's favour. The tall seamer has impressed all season but this was his best spell to date. He bowled five overs for just 16 runs and in his second over took two in two balls to really excite the Wanderers followers. At 64-5 the Heroes were rocking but the experienced Baig (49 not out) anchored the innings and, despite a wicket for Kayani (1-26) via a good stumping from Ben Willgoss, he led his side home with five overs to spare. The Wanderers showed a fighting spirit and on another day may well have defended the total but, in truth, 138 is rarely enough in this format of the game against free spirited batting line-ups.

The Wanderers will be looking to bounce back on Saturday and claim a spot in the top four once again as they take on GEMS Education at the Sevens Stadium, 8am start.

Ben Quirk's fine spell turned the game in Wanderers' favour at one stage as the did their best to defend a lowly 138 on Saturday.