Friday’s return match between Galloway and Dumfries proved to be a much closer affair than the first match. Having lost at Gatehouse the Stewartry youngsters were determined to do better at Nunholm and so they did thanks to top-class performances by the game’s stand-out players, Tom Mein and Orla Montgomery. Together they took the total from 2 for 2 to an agonising 65 for 2 – only one run short of the Dumfries first innings total of 66.

Tom’s innings was a lesson to his teammates and opponents in how to bat – playing each ball on its merits – keeping the good balls out and using good foot-work to crisply hit anything loose. His undefeated 28 was superb. Orla’s contribution, the second-highest score of the evening, was an accomplished display of batting but not as accomplished as her bowling which although wicket-less was quick and accurate and deserved more.

Dumfries’s victory was down to more strength in depth in their bowling, supported by a good performance by keeper James Little, with youngsters Aiden Goodin and James Hobman holding their nerve in the final two overs despite the fielders losing theirs!

That enthusiasm resulted in the Annandale Insurance Ice-Cream Moment which was the frenetic last ball, a good delivery, a hit, batters running, a shy at the stumps, overthrows, more batters running and a relay throw return to the keeper. “Was it a tie?” was the cry.

Dumfries U12s 66 for 7
Max Corbett-Byers 7, Tom Currie 5, Alex McMenemy 2 for 12, Will Livingstone 2 for 14

Galloway U12s 65 for 2
Tom Mein 28*, Orla Montgomery 10*, Aiden Goodin 2 for 15