Border Telegraph | Sport | Niven 'ton'

Friday, 25th July, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 14th May, 2008 10:00

Niven 'ton' - but storm stops play

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Graeme Ormiston, son of Gala stalwart David, helps Alan Niven towards his century.

A THUNDERSTORM just before the end of their innings halted Gala’s progress with the visitors on 228 for five with eight balls remaining of their allotted 50 overs.

The thunderstorm flooded the wicket and areas of the outfield, with the match abandoned soon after an early tea had been taken.

Gala’s commanding position was based on an outstanding innings from Alan Niven who, after Gala had won the toss and elected to bat first, arrived at the crease following the early loss of captain David Boland, and proceeded to score 108 of 139 balls including 14 fours and a six.

Niven first steadied the ship in a solid partnership with fifteen year old Graeme Ormiston, adding 90 or the second wicket before Ormiston was trapped lbw for 27 in the 30th over with the score on 96.

He then increased the tempo along with Neil Crooks as the pair added 99 before Crooks was caught behind for 38 in the 43rd over.

Niven’s vigil was eventually ended as he tried a quick single with Kris Mein and was run out for 108, ironically the throw coming from Gala’s own Duncan Millar, on as a substitute fielder for the home side.

Mein the took up the mantle and looked confident and assured at the crease in his 20 not out before, after several flashes of lightening and rumbles of thunder, the heavens opened and ended play for the day.

Gala Innings

G Ormiston lbw b Ashwin 27

D Boland lbw b Prab 4

A Niven run out 108

N Crooks c Chisholm b Thomson 38

K Mein not out 20

D Hancock b Prab 1

R Hancock not out 2

b- 9 lb – 7 w– 10 nb- 3 = 29

Total (for five wickets) 228

Bowling

Prab 5.4-1-21-2 C Thomson 10-3-22-1 R Mirley 7-1-23-0 Ashwin 9-1-33-1