FP’s had to make 5 changes to the team given a scare the previous day at Dunecht, missing were Fryer, Magesh, Blues, Norwood, and Joy. Back into the team came John Davey, Tom Booth, Ian Goodenough along with Gary Stuart and Geoff Morrison.

The toss was won by FP’s who chose to bowl first on a green but drying wicket. Stuart opened the bowling from the Town End with some good opening overs. Tom Booth was given his first bowl of the season from the River End and after a couple of wides, bowled the perfect ball to Gibson who edged behind to keeper Pehlaj, the batsman walked without waiting for the umpire who seemed not to hear the faint edge. This was a good start for FP’s as Gibson had played several long innings’ in previous matches against FP’s.

Booth’s bowling was understandably rusty, but he produced another great ball in his third over when he bowled Stonehaven skipper D. Long jnr for 2, Stonehaven 23 – 2 off 6 overs. Stuart bowled a good spell (a couple of wides apart), 6 – 0 – 14 – 0 and was replaced by D’Costa. Booth was slightly more erratic, but reasonably economic, bowling 7 – 2 – 21 – 2. John Davey came on in place of Booth, and despite a lack of practice bowled excellently from his first ball.

D’Costa and John Davey bowled well in tandem, and after 20 overs Stoney were 63 – 2. Opener Crozier was out in the 21^stover when he pulled D’Costa to the deep mid wicket boundary where Stuart took a well judged catch, Crozier scoring 24 (1 x 4). 

Davey took a deserved wicket in his 7^thover when he took a straightforward c&b to dismiss Kerr for 2, Stoney 79 – 4. Davey also had a couple of good LBW shouts turned down before Atkinson was given out LBW for 26 (3 x 4), Stoney 80 – 5.

Left handed batsman Swallow was content to wait for the bad ball, and when D. Long snr tried the same, he ended up being dismissed by the worst ball new bowler Andy Milne will probably ever bowl. The ball pitched half way down the wicket, just had the momentum to bounce again and Long’s eyes lit up as he saw a free hit to the boundary. However the batsman only succeeded in sending a tame return catch to the embarrassed bowler. Stoney 99 – 6 off 37 overs.

New batsman Hay started in aggressive mood, and looked to have been bowled by Davey early in his innings. The batsman had turned round to see the wicketkeeper break the stumps just after the ball had hit the wicket and was given out by the umpire. But as he reluctantly stomped off the umpires conferred and decided that they were not convinced that the wicketkeeper had not broken the wicket first. As a result, the fortunate batsman was sportingly recalled by FP’s, not a unanimous decision, but a decision made in the spirit of what was a Grade 3 cricket match.

Hay then made hay and hit three boundaries before Davey got revenge by holding onto a fierce caught and bowled at head height, Hay out for 18, Stoney 120 – 7 off 38 overs. Davey bowled 12 – 1 – 31 – 3 and with a bit of luck would have taken a few more wickets.

Milne had bowled well with 3 maidens in his first 4 overs, ending his spell with 1 – 28, giving way to Stuart who returned for a second spell. Booth also returned but had lost his earlier ‘control’ and a ‘Booth Beamer’ was swatted over the mid wicket boundary for 6 by Swallow. The 8^thwicket stand was worth a valuable 44 runs with Swallow ending 19 n.o. and Long 16 n.o. Stoney declaring on 164 – 7 off 45 overs.

Stuart bowled 10 overs for only 28 runs, D’Costa took 1 – 23, Booth 2 – 46. FP’s fielded well with Davey and keeper Pehlaj outstanding.

Following a good tea, Rama and Booth opened the innings for Grammar. Stonehaven bowlers D Long jnr and A Long both bowled with pace and accuracy, but Booth was in no mood to be tied down and played some aggressive drives for boundaries. Rama was almost decapitated by a fast rising delivery but next ball played a classic straight drive which just stopped inside the boundary due to the long grass. Rama was eventually out for 4 when D. Long jnr bowled him middle stump, FP’s 30 – 1 off 9 overs.

Left hander Pehlaj joined Booth and was content to play his normal calm game and let Booth do the bulk of the scoring. Booth stroked two big sixes, but while going for a third six was well caught by Crozier who patiently waited on the boundary for the ball to drop to him, without having to move an inch, and Booth out for 40 (2 x 6, 3 x 4) FP’s 54 – 2 off 15 overs. 

Davey was next man in and also batted carefully until used to the pitch. The scoring rate was kept up to the required rate by some classy boundaries all round the wicket from both batsmen. A potential problem for FP’s arose when Pehlaj went down with cramp, and Rama the Runner was recalled to the middle.  Fortunately there were no complaints from Stonehaven about Rama not changing back into his spikes, but keeping on the go faster leather sandals he was wearing. But there were no mix ups and all three batsmen did well with the running between the wickets. Might try this more often.

The match was slipping away from Stonehaven who tried six different bowlers to break the 3rd wicket partnership. But just as a big black cloud approached and visions of a potential wash out crossed one or two minds, Davey was out caught trying to end the game in a hurry, FP’s 149 – 3, Davey contributing 34 (5 x 4) in a partnership worth 90 runs.

A sudden shower of rain brought the players off for a short break just after the wicket fell, but FP’s nerves were calmed by Pehlaj who reached a well deserved 50, and then pushed on, finishing the game with consecutive boundaries, ending 59 n.o. (7 x 4).  Morrison batted long enough to load test his new batting helmet, which survived, scoring 1 n.o.

Grammar scored 166 for 3 wickets off 33.2 overs, a comprehensive victory against a good bowling attack, best for Stonehaven D. Long jnr 2 – 39 off 11.2 overs, and Snelling 0 – 12 off 5 overs.

Man of the Match – Davey with 3 – 31, fielded well and scored 34 runs

Champagne Moment – Davey’s caught and bowled off the Hay howitzer to end Hay’s second innings.

FP’s lost the toss and were asked to bat on a patchy wicket marked with numerous worm mounds.

Openers Fryer and Rama soon discovered the wicket was two paced, Fryer became the first victim when a ball from Thangaraj stopped but unfortunately Fryer’s stroke did not and he lobbed an easy catch to short cover for 1 run, FP’s 1 – 1.

After last week’s stunning collapse at Methlick, Rama and new batsman Johnston were determined not to lose another quick wicket. Opening bowlers Abrar & Thangaraj were bowling well in tandem, Arbrar getting late swing , and Thangaraj bowling with pace and seaming the ball away. The scoring was slow, but Rama played a great straight drive for six to ease the pressure, and some sharp running also kept the score moving.

After 16 overs Thangaraj bowled Johnston with an excellent slower ball for 5, Johnston was through his shot and half way back to the bandstand before hearing the dreaded death rattle, FP’s 36 – 2.

Crescent replaced Abrar with Kanwar, a bowler whose approach to the wicket resembled someone trying to run up a ‘down’ escalator. But Kanwar got a lift second over when Rama, who had batted with good restraint was caught in the covers, Rama scoring 23 (1 x 6), FP’s 36 – 3.

Mike Blues was soon out, LBW to Thangaraj for a duck and there were shades of the batting collapse previous week when Frizzell was bowled by a good ball from Thangaraj also for a duck, FP’s now 43 – 5. Goodenough was next to be dismissed, walking when edging behind for 5 , FP’s in free-fall at 54 – 6. Only six runs had been added when Whyte was beaten by a shooter, out LBW without troubling the scorers.

With another low score looming, Karthik and Andy Milne dug in and began the fight back. Karthik played his natural game and scored quickly, while the inexperienced Milne played the perfect foil at the other end by keeping out the good ball, and running well to give Karthik the strike when possible.

The 7th wicket partnership was frustrating the Crescent bowling, and Karthik was scoring boundaries all round the wicket. He reached an excellent 54 (1 x 6, 6 x 4s) before being out caught by Birch off Vikas and along with the increasingly confident Milne had added 57 runs in 13 overs.

But Milne then played some outstanding drives, including a couple through mid on for four. Russell limped to the wicket and managed to score 5 before edging Vikas behind to the keeper and walking without protest.

Milne then hit Ward for two great drives to the boundary and was last man out for very well constructed 25 ( 5 x 4), FP’s total 131 off 42.4 overs.

This was a great FP’s come back led by Karthik and Milne who effectively doubled the total by sensible batting on a tricky wicket. Pick of the bowling attack were Thangaraj with 4 – 23 and Abrar 2 – 30.

Karthik opened the bowling for Grammar from the Winter Garden end, with Whyte bowling from the Obelisk End.

The bowling was tight and in the 8th over with the score on 17, the accurate bowling of Whyte finally told and Ward was bowled by a ball which pitched on leg and hit middle.

Karthik then bowled Vikas with a lovely inswinger, and Whyte struck again next over by bowling opener Abrar for 12 (2 x 4), Crescent 27 – 3 off 8.4 overs.

Magesh was brought on from the Winter Garden end, Karthik having bowled 7 – 0 – 40 – 1. Batsmen Link and Thangaraj batted well seeing off Whyte, who was unlucky not to take several more wickets in his spell of 9 – 2 – 17 – 2.

The 4th wicket partnership had added 48 runs without offering a chance, the batsmen taking advantage of the big outfield where at times Karthik was fielding so far away on the mid wicket boundary he looked like a subbuteo player.

But Crescent were looking comfortable, and with plenty of overs remaining, FP’s needed a breakthrough. Magesh finally tempted Thangaraj into an injudicious attacking shot with a more flighted delivery, and the bowler took a good caught and bowled catch to make the vital breakthrough, Crescent 75 – 4 off 20.4 overs.

Blues had replaced Whyte and in his second over bowled a brilliant ball to Rama which pitched on leg and then changed direction to hit leg stump, a measure of the unexpected outcome being the spilt second silence until the fielders realised what had actually happened. Keeper Frizzell did well to stop the other balls in Blues’s spell which did not change direction!

Crescent then staged a mini recovery with Link and Birch adding 14 vital runs, and with the score approaching 100, Whyte was recalled to the attack. The effect was immediate as he bowled Link with his second ball for a fighting 27 (3 x 4) and next ball had debutant lady hockey player Eleanor out first ball caught at point by Goodenough, Crescent now struggling badly on 93 – 7.

Magesh then had Kanwar caught by Johnston at short cover for 4, Crescent 98 – 8. The match was completed next over with two more wickets for Whyte, when he bowed Birch for 8 and two balls later comprehensively bowled last man McClennan for 0, Crescent all out 100 in 27.5 overs.

Grammar were relieved to take full points from this match having been struggling until Karthik and Milne turned the match with a great stand. Whyte finally got the wickets his pace and accuracy deserved as the Crescent tail collapsed, losing the last 5 wickets for 7 runs.

Whyte declined the opportunity to buy a jug of ale after his five – as he was suffering from a hangover. Hmm. Maybe there’s a lesson there for us all. Correction, some of us. Some of us have already tried that pre-match ritual and ale’d miserably.

Man of the Match – Karthik, great counter attacking innings which gave FP’s a total to defend, took a wicket and outstanding in the field as usual.

Champagne Moment – The catch which finally allowed mixed hockey player Ian Goodenough to get the better of a lady hockey player.

Unavailable from the SDQX match for FP’s were MacDonald and Rizwan, Karthik had flu and Whyte had a freebie to the Test match at the Oval. More dedicated players were brought in, Mike Blues and Paul Norwood were back from holiday, schoolboy Jesten D’Costa had nothing else to do as his football match was off and Pehlaj was very happy to come in from the 1^stXI to keep wicket.

Due to a communications problem, the FP’s captain almost arrived late, and so vice captain Rob Fryer was sent out to win the vital toss of the coin. Give someone a simple job to do…

Rama and soon to be ex-vice captain Fryer opened the batting on a perfect sunny day. The wicket was damp but flat and Dunecht began well with a couple of maidens. The wicket was proving to be a touch slow and Rama was first to fall victim when he mistimed a drive and was well caught in the covers by a diving De Gabrielle for 3, FP’s 7 – 1. 

Fryer and Pehlaj played the correct way, keeping out the straight balls and waiting for the bad ball. Fryer had just played the never seen before Fryer Flamingo shot for 6 over square leg, but soon after was out caught off a ‘stopper’ by a diving De Gabrielle in the covers for 11, FP’s 32 – 2 off 12 overs.

Pehlaj had struck a couple of legside boundaries with great timing, then hooked a ball from Burnett to deep mid wicket, but the Dunecht fielders were in inspired catching form and another smart catch was taken by Campbell, Pehlaj out for 17 (3 x 4).

Last week’s batting hero Vijay had been injured at nets two days earlier, hit on the nose while batting, fortunately with no serious damage, but the facial swelling was bad enough to scare away the close fielders. Unfortunately for Vijay with his first attacking shot he found the normally very close fielder at very deep mid wicket, and who just managed to avoid overstepping the boundary while taking a difficult catch, Vijay was out for a duck, FP’s 33 – 4 off 18 overs.

Following his good recent form Andy Milne was promoted to number 5 and again batted well. He and Mike Blues added 20 runs without any problems when Blues became the next victim of the Dunecht catching perfect storm with Dyer this time pulling off a great catch, FP’s 53 – 5 off 28 overs. Next over Milne was the latest to be out caught, this time by keeper Scott when he edged down he legside and walked before the umpire could give him out.

Melvin Joy had also batted very well the previous week, but he batted even better this week. He opened with a couple of sixes, and continued to go for his shots playing some lovely straight drives and pull shots. Paul Norwood managed to feed him the bowling, but Norwood was unluckily run out going for a second to fine leg after playing a nice shot off his legs. Unfortunately the Dunecht throwing was equal to their catching, and Norwood was clearly out for 4, FP’s 80 – 7 off 34 overs.

Johnston was next in and out, scoring just 3, caught at cover by that man De Gabrielle off Dunecht skipper Burnett while attempting to cut too straight a ball, FP’s 88 – 8. FP’s promotion hopes were in grave danger with only two wickets remaining and Dunecht well on top.

Magesh had arrived on time and so was rightly promoted up the order to number 10 and scored as many runs as occasions he has turned up on time, 1. But the 9^thwicket stand had raised an important 21 runs, FP’s score approaching respectability, 109 – 9 off 41 overs.

D’Costa and Joy then added a vital 28 runs, Joy easing the ball over the boundary with a series of sweetly timed drives and pulls. Joy was nearly dismissed off a drive so straight that the fielder caught the ball just as he fell back onto the sightscreen, a good effort which against any another team would have deserved to have been taken. D’Costa also batted very well considering his experience, running well and defending calmly. 

But in the last over Joy made the ultimate sacrifice while trying to get to the other end to face the last 3 balls and was unluckily run out, despite a great dive, for a brilliant 61 (7 x 6, 1 x 4). Seven sixes in one innings is probably a record for FP’s 2^ndXI, and would be one for the team analyst to confirm. If only we had one.

The last two wickets had added 49 runs and given FP’s a good total to defend on a ground with a slow outfield and slow wicket with a bit of variable bounce.

Best bowlers for Dunecht were Burnett 3 – 26, Roberts 2 – 38 and Poppleton 1 – 14. The Dunecht catching was almost faultless, with De Gabrielle taking four, and Campbell two, Dyer and Scott one each.

FP’s opened the bowling with Vijay and Blues. Vijay was still not 100% fit and had to come off after 4 good overs for only 7 runs. Blues bowled 2 overs for 2 runs before being replaced by D’Costa who was due to leave early to prepare for a themed 15^th (fifteenth) birthday party at the FP’s clubhouse, not a milestone 16^th, 18^th or 21^st birthday but a 15^th. Sir Geoffrey would have had kittens.

Blues replaced the injured Vijay, and bowled opener Burnett with a great delivery for 1, Dunecht 27 – 1 off 11 overs. Dunecht batsman ‘fingers’ De Gabrielle was playing some powerful shots, and the Dunecht total had progressed to 48 when Magesh was brought on to replace Blues. The change of bowling had an immediate effect when De Gabrielle turned a ball to square leg where Milne did well to hold onto a sharp chance, De Gabrielle out for 34 (5 x 4).

D’Costa bowled a good 6 over spell 6 – 1 – 16 – 0 before dashing off. In the meantime Vijay had recovered sufficiently to come back on to bowl off breaks. This new spell turned the match FP’s way when he took 3 wickets in two overs. Donald was first to go when Norwood dived forward at cover to hang on to a good catch. Next over from Vijay, Scott was bowled for 1, next ball Clark was caught by Magesh for a duck. Campbell avoided the hat trick and immediately went on the counter attack, hitting several quick boundaries.

But Magesh then took 2 wickets in 2 overs, Roberts providing Norwood with some easy catching practice and Poppleton’s patience gave way when he tried to pull Magesh and was bowled for a duck, Dunecht 62 – 7 and FP’s expecting a quick victory. 

Campbell continued his counter attack to good effect, hitting Vijay for 14 in one over and with Dyer offering good support the Dunecht 100 came and went. The FP’s total was only a few more lusty blows away when Magesh bowled Dyer for 7, the 8^thwicket partnership having been worth 41 runs, Dunecht 103 – 8.

Bremner lasted long enough to help add 8 runs, and Vijay volunteered to bowl an over of pace, despite his injured shoulder. With the last ball of his over Vijay bowled Campbell for 44 (2 x 6, 4 x 4). Campbell had been trying to guide the ball through the slip area but the ball just clipped the off stump, much to Grammar’s relief.

With the first ball of the next over it was all over as Magesh bowled Bremner for 1, Dunecht 111 all out, FP’s winning by 26 runs.

This was an excellent win by Grammar who had been forced to struggle against an inspired fielding team who held on to some great catches and bowled well. It was a good time for Joy to show his team mates how clean a striker of the ball he is, ably supported by Milne and D’Costa.

For Dunecht, Campbell nearly had FP’s in the soup with a great counter attacking innings. Fortunately Vijay’s shoulder held out for one extra over, and Magesh bowled his best spell of the season while taking his first five wicket haul of the season. 

Man of the Match – Melvin Joy, great innings and fielded well

Champagne Moment – The 6 which brought up Melvin’s first half century for FP’s

FP’s lost the toss and were asked to bat first by SDQX skipper Andy Rayner. As usual there were late comers for FP’s, one of whom even had a genuine excuse. But the player due to bat at number 4 arrived 20 minutes after the start with no excuse and was put to shame by a team mate who had texted at 12:20pm to say he had just woken up, but still managed to show up on time. Fortunately for the texter, FP’s had to bat first and so he quietly retired to the café for a brunch consisting of “a plate of the greasiest food you have, please”.

Meanwhile out in the middle just before the game actually started, one of the SDQX youngsters wondered up to the square leg umpire and asked where the square leg fielding position was. With the FP’s skipper having set SDQX‘s field, play commenced. 

The first ball of the lost fielder’s first game became his first catch off the first ball of his first game as Rob Fryer lobbed a gentle catch to the 11 year old, who had been so carefully positioned at square leg, FP’s 0-1 off 0-1. This fielding position now known as Fryers Dolly Folly.

Fortunately batsmen Rama and Vijay were in good form and scored at a steady pace against good bowling from opening bowlers Rayner and Barron. The wicket was damp and slow, but the batsmen batted with good wet wicket restraint, sensibly playing each ball on merit. Soon after the FP’s 12^thman had brought out Rama’s spiked boots, the FP’s opener played his best shot of the innings, a drive over mid on for 6. 

Vijay punished anything down leg-side with several boundaries and an effortless pull for 6. Vijay reached his 50 with a powerful pull for four, and in the process finally persuaded a couple with toddler to move over the boundary out of harms way.

Rama had just passed his best score of the season when he was bowled by Moir, scoring 45 (3 x 6, 2 x 4) in a great stand of 106. Vijay was out soon after for 50 (1 x 6, 7 x 4) given out LBW to Rayner, who had returned for a second spell, an excellent first fifty for FP’s.

MacDonald innings lasted a shorter time than his earlier tardiness, out bowled by Rayner for 3, FP’s 115 – 4 off 29 overs. Johnston was bowled soon after for a duck having failed to decide which shot to play to a straight ball from Moir, FP’s now struggling on 125 – 6. 

Karthik and Whyte had added 16 runs when Kieran Whyte was bowled by a shooter from Rayner, FP’s 141 – 6. Karthik had just smashed Rayner for 12 runs in an over, but Rayner had his revenge when Karthik was out caught for 22, FP’s 141 – 7.

Rizwan came in for only his 3^rdgame of the season and got off the mark with a lovely boundary. But he was soon run out in a mix up with Milne, out for 7, FP’s 154 – 8 off 40 overs.

Fortunately Milne carried on his form from his previous match, again playing a sensible innings and scored a match turning 22 n.o. (2 x 4) and had played his part in a rapid partnership of 38 with Melvin Joy. Playing only his 2^ndgame of the season, Joy immediately showed what a non cricketing holiday in India does for you when he blasted a quick 16 (1 x 6, 2 x 4) including probably the shot of the match with a lovely stroked straight 6. Milne and Joy added 23 in 2 overs allowing FP’s to declare on 192 – 8 off 45 overs. 

Top bowlers for SDQX were Rayner with 4 – 34, Moir with 2 – 37 and young Al Mamun who bowled better than his figures suggested.

Last week’s top bowler for FP’s Whyte opened the attack and bowled fast and straight, but could not find a way through Moir and Rayners’s defence. Whyte’s excellent opening spell of 8 – 3 – 15 – 0 deserved more, Karthik also had no luck, bowling 5 – 1 – 16 – 0. FP’s had a couple of chances to break the opening partnership with a run out and catch being missed by over exuberance on the fielder’s part.

But the breakthrough finally came in the 2^ndover from new bowler Magesh, who cleverly tempted Moir to play an attacking shot straight to Whyte at wide mid on, who judged the catch well. SDQX 51 – 1 off 19 overs.

Not-slow-enough slow bowler Magesh was unlucky to be called for fast bowlers waist high no ball which cost him a caught and bowled from Rayner, but got the better of Rayner soon after, bowling him for 38 ( 1 x 6, 5 x 4). 

SDQX were failing to score quickly enough against some tight FP’s bowling, with new bowler Rizwan immediately finding his line and length. SDQX were battling well, but Rizwan produced a jaffa to bowl Rodgers for 15, SDQX 92 – 3, and then had Milne plumb LBW for 8, SDQX 100 – 4.  FP’s were desperate for another breakthrough and brought opening bowler Whyte back on to bowl. But despite the FP’s bowlers best efforts, SDQX held out until the 44th over when Karthik had Macpherson caught by Rizwan for 15, SDQX 124 – 5. 

 The FP’s bowlers bowled well, forcing SDQX batsmen to be on the defensive for most of their innings and the game ended in a tame draw with SDQX score 132 – 5 off 45 overs. The FP’s bowling attack was thwarted this week by some good batting technique from SDQX.

Best of the FP’s bowling were Whyte 12 – 6 – 23 – (0 hangover) 0 wickets, Magesh 9 – 3 – 26 – 2 and Karthik 8 – 1 – 31 – 1.

Man of the Match – Vijay, top scorer with 54.

Champagne Moment – 11 year old Davidson’s catch. A first catch he won’t forget, and one Fryer probably won’t be allowed to forget.

The sun was shining as most of the nine man FP’s team arrived. The ubiquitous late comers set a new ‘cutting it fine’ record, but just made it in time to take their places on the field as FP’s had decided to bowl first after winning the toss.

The first ball was smacked to the boundary by Methlick skipper Kennedy, and he continued to deal mainly in boundaries, his 50 caming from 12 scoring shots, (4 x 6, 6 x 4). Debutant schoolboy Jesten D’Costa could not have imagined that his first cricketing action would be to climb over the gate into a park full of sheep several times to retrieve the ball. The sheep were obviously used to Kennedy’s batting as they grazed in the far corner of the field, and once he was dismissed, returned to graze around the nets at the boundary edge.

Kennedy was eventually dismissed by a cunning piece of bowling by Rama, whose first four balls were wides, and the first non wide delivery was edged onto the foot, then pad, then the stumps of Kennedy, who scored 72 (7 x 6, 6 x 4) in an opening stand of 88 off 9.1 overs.

New batsman P. Chelmers came out with a bat older than the combined age of both the bowlers he faced, but showed it had a nice middle when hitting some good drives. Chalmers was bowled by a beautiful inswinger by Karthik for 10, Methlick 106 – 2.

Opener Carr had just hit Magesh for a six, but two balls later Magesh bowled Carr for 17 (1 x6, 1x 4), Methlick 112 – 3. Magesh struck again when Duffy was given out LBW and reluctantly left the crease with the next batsman being in danger of  being timed out.

D’Costa took his first grades wicket with only his 5th  ball when  S. French sliced a drive high to point, giving that Gentleman of Rubislaw, JPL Williams, an opportunity to display that the Spirit of Cricket lives on by kindly allowing Johnston to take the catch. Most wicketkeepers would have pushed Johnston out of the way to make sure the catch was taken,  most bowlers would have begged him to.

D’Costa struck again in his second over  when he had M. Rassmusen plumb LBW for 5, and in his fifth over D’Costa struck again.  D’Costa had just bowled a ball which rose sharply off a length, which J. Allan doing well to avoid, but next ball was shorter but kept low and bowled Allan for 6.

Andy Milne had B. Ritchie excellently caught at square leg by Rob Fryer, a reflex catch as the ball sped past him. Milne finished the Methlick innings by bowling C Allen for 6 (1 x 4), Methlick all out 179 off .  All the Methlick batsmen scored runs and did well to double the score following Kennedy’s dismissal.

Karthik fielded very energetically despite bowling 11 overs in the heat, and his great throw from fine leg gave keeper Williams all the time in the world, which he very nearly took, to remove the bails and run out J. Chalmers. Karthik’s unorthodox use of his knee to stop a fierce drive off his own bowling was above and beyond the call of duty.

Karthik bowled well taking 1 – 51, Magesh took 2 – 45, Rama 1 – 12, Milne 2 – 29, but the star bowler for FP’s was debutant D’Costa who took 3 – 31 off 6 overs and showed great potential. All the bowlers stuck to the task and considering FP’s had only 9 men, a short boundary on one side, a fast outfield, and not forgetting a certain powerful hitting batsman to contend with, did pretty well.

Tea was just about perfect with home made scones, jam, cream with a fresh strawberry on top. What could spoil a perfect summer afternoon?

Grammar FP’s went into bat requiring 180 off 56 overs. If ever there was a day and location to enjoy batting for 56 overs, then this was it. 

Sadly this section of the report won’t take long.

Second over Rama prodded tentatively at a ball and  the catch was smartly taken with minimum of fuss at slip, FP’s 3 - 1.

Rob Fryer was given a life by Kennedy who could not quite hold on to a sharp chance at short mid wicket. But next over Kennedy did well to dive to his right and just get under the ball to dismiss Fryer for 5, FP’s score 7 – 2. 

The rural setting turned out to be very appropriate for the next four batsmen as there were more barn doors on display than at the Highland Show Barn Door stand. Firstly Karthik was bowled by Duffy for 2 runs, then Sri for 2, then Williams for 0, then Magesh for 3, leaving the FP’s flock stunned and ready for the slaughter on 18  for 6 wickets, and Duffy with 5 – 12.

Milne was then bowled by French, and then Johnston was out LBW to Bremnesan for 2, Grammar FP’s all out for a  pathetic 18.

There were few positives for FP’s to take from a result like this, D’Costa looks like a real find, and it was good to see umpires not afraid to make LBW decisions even if it may have resulted in them having to take a long walk home.

A few of the sad statistics from the game are that Kennedy scored more in one over than FP’s managed in the match, Methlick extras totalled more than FP’s scored in the match, and FP’s humiliation was complete on the drive home when the temperature on the dashboard read more than the FP’s total. 

But on a happier note…

“Winning In The Rain” 

The match played between FP’s and Methlick on 11th June was a match the participants won’t forget in a hurry as for the main part the game was played in miserable wet conditions in a weekend which had only 2 other matches were played in Aberdeen.

The two captains Rob Fryer and Stewart Kennedy deserve great praise for persuading their teams to start the game, never mind completing the match as the rain got heavier and the players got wetter.

FP’s bowlers started well as the new artificial wicket at Rubislaw soaked up the rain. But then Kennedy found his timing and began to up the scoring rate,  with some good shots off his legs as the FP’s bowlers struggled to control the sodding sodden ball.

 But then skipper Fryer cleverly brought on Doug Russell to bowl and with his first ball, Russell had Kennedy LBW to his ‘slower’ ball for 58, Methlick  87- 1 off 13 overs.

Russell bowled well slowing the scoring rate during his spell of 8 – 1 – 18 – 2, as did Andy Milne who bowled 5  – 1 – 17 – 1, his wicket courtesy of a sharp piece of work when Pehlaj who stumped Young.

Grammar opened the batting with Fryer and Rama and the score had Rama was out for 4, FP’s score 11 - 1. Blyth soon followed also out for 4, FP’s 16 – 2.

Left hander Pehlaj started carefully, but was soon hitting shots all round the wicket, including the not seen often enough, the graceful cover drive. Both Fryer and Pehlaj tend to score along the ground, so must have been frustrated by the longish wet outfield. 

Fryer was out for 33 (4 x 4), score 92 – 3 off 24 overs. New batsman Karthik batted sensibly and the 4th  wicket added 73 runs off 12  overs and with victory in sight Karthik was out for 29 ( 1 x 4), FP’s score 165 – 5.

Russell then helped Pehlaj see FP’s home with 6 overs to spare, Pehlaj ending a brilliant 96 not out (8 x 4) 

Both teams deserve great credit for playing to the finish in miserable conditions , especially the young Methlick who played to the end without complaint. 

Keeping the ball dry was impossible, and the bowlers had to bowl with a roundish bar of soap,  not helping accurate bowling, and underfoot conditions deteriorated in dismal weather. 

Man of the Match – Pehlaj, batted brilliantly to get to within four of his hundred, and kept wicket well in tricky conditions.

 Champagne Moment – Probably getting out of the rain.

Banchory captain Hicks failed to notice the two headed coin and Banchory were asked to bat first on a sunny day at Rubislaw. The Grammar team had been advised to turn up on time or any latecomers would find themselves batting last. The first victims of the strict new disciplinary code were Karthik and Doug Russell.

After last week’s star performance with the ball, Vijay opened the bowling from the Cromwell Road End and continued his good form with a sharp maiden over. Mike Blues bowled from the Pavillion End, giving away only a single in each of his first two overs.
The tight bowling continued, and although Virk hit a four off Vijay, he was well caught two balls later by Melvin Joy at deepish mid off for 11 runs, Banchory 21 – 1 off 7 overs.
Batsmen Hicks and Sharma were then given few chances to score as Vijay and Blues bowled the next 7 overs for only 8 runs, Blues was unlucky not to take a wicket during his excellent spell of 7 – 1 – 11 – 0.
John Davey replaced Blues and took a wicket with his 4th ball when Sharma went back and across to a straight delivery and was out LBW for 8 runs, Banchory 37 – 2 off 16 overs.
Karthik then replaced Vijay who had bowled with good pace, moving the ball off the seam during his spell of 8 – 3 – 25 – 1. But it was Davey who took the third Banchory wicket, having Hicks out LBW for 27 (3 x 4). Hicks had batted with patience, but always looked to score off the occasional bad ball, Banchory 54 – 2 off 22 overs.
Asad and Wilkinson batted carefully adding 39 runs in 11 overs and it took a brilliant low catch at first slip by Harry Houghton off a great away swinging ball by Karthik to dismiss Asad for a well played 19 (2 x 4) Banchory 93 – 4 off 33 overs. The batsman looked surprised by the catch, prior to last season slip catching by Houghton, FP’s would also have been calling for a TV replay.
Davey had bowled well extracting some spin off the artifical wicket and deserved his two wickets, bowling 9 – 2 – 26 – 2 . Magesh replaced Davey and bowled an accurate spell of 5 – 1 – 12 – 0.
Karthik had accidentally struck Wilkinson with a chest high full toss, but Wilkinson got his own back when Karthik decided to use his shins to stop a powerful pull by Wilkinson at square leg. Wilkinson was taking advantage of some leg side deliveries and upped the scoring rate as batsmen fell at the other end. Karthik dismissed Jason caught behind by keeper Pehlaj down the leg side, the batsman sportingly walking, Banchory 98 – 5.
Karthik had bowled 10 – 5 – 27 – 2, a mixture of excellent swing bowling and frustrating swing bowling as Wilkinson picked off balls which swung down the legside.
Scottish Under 15 Internationalist Critchley kept an end going while Wilkinson went for runs, the 6th wicket adding a valuable 22 runs before Vijay (10 – 3 – 40 – 2) returned to beat Critchley for pace, bowling him for a single, Banchory 120 – 6.
New batsman Donnelly kept out the FP’s bowlers while 20 runs were added during the last 4 overs. Top scorer Wilkinson finished not out 44 (4 x 4) using all his experience to retain the strike and score off anything loose, especially down the leg side. Banchory final score which was sportingly revised to 140 – 6 off 46 overs following a revue of the scorebooks.
For FP’s wicket takers were Vijay, Davey and Karthik with 2 each, Russell bowled 0 – 8 and Joy 0 – 12 in short spells. The FP’s bowling was generally tight and no catches were dropped.
FP’s opened their innings with Rama and Pehlaj and found runs hard to come by as Critchley and Hicks bowled accurately. Pehlaj had just hit his first four when he was out LBW to Critchley for 9, FP’s 20 – 1 off 9 overs.
Davey and Rama batted well against good bowling, adding 36 runs in 7 overs keeping FP’s up with the required scoring rate. Rama hit a couple of great straight drives, but was out bowled by Sharma for 26 (3 x 4), FP’s 56 – 2 off 16 overs.
Blues was promoted to number 4 and went about scoring in a calm manner as he and Davey added 33 runs in 12 overs, Sharma and Virk both bowling consistently well, with few loose balls to score off. The Banchory fielding was sharp, and young Critchley impressed with his returns from the boundaries.
Virk had just beaten Davey three times in an over before Davey played on, bowled for 34 runs, stroking four great drives for four and had several more cut off just inside the boundary, FP’s 89 – 3 off 29 overs.
The scoring rate had slowed up due to the accurate bowling and Vijay was out for 9 caught while playing an attacking shot, FP’s 113 – 4 off 37 overs.
Next over Wilkinson defied the years and took a fantastic diving one handed caught and bowled to dismiss Joy for 1, FP’s 113 – 5. Things looked bad for FP’s two overs later as Blue’s patient innings came to an end when Virk took a great catch off Wilkinson, Blues out for 26 FP’s now 116 – 6, requiring 24 runs off 4 overs.
Johnston was then not out caught in the gully by Donnelly off what turned out to be the first ball of Virk’s 13th over of the allowed 12 over spell. Hicks replaced Virk and Johnston and Houghton scored 6 runs off the 41st over.
But with the 3rd ball of 42nd over bowled by Wilkinsons, Johnston was out bowled off a bottom edge while advancing down the wicket, FP’s still requiring 18 runs off 15 balls. Banchory were now looking at an unexpected victory with “just the tail enders to come!”
But, as the captain trudged back to the pavillion, cometh the hour, cometh the latecomer with Karthik being promoted from the naughty step by Magesh who was due in ahead of Karthik. This ‘executive decision’ went against all the rules, but all was forgiven as Karthik launched Wilkinson for two great boundaries and a single off the remaining three balls of the 42ndover to shatter Banchory.
Next over with 9 required off 12 balls tension mounted as Hicks bowled two dot balls, but the third ball was a high full toss which Karthik hooked for a magnificent 6, and next ball two byes were run to give Grammar victory by 3 wickets with a comfortable eight balls to go.
Top wicket takers for Banchory, Wilkinson with 3 – 37 and Virk 2 – 35.
A thrilling finish which went the way of Grammar in what had been an evenly contested match played in good spirit throughout. This was FP’s second victory against Banchory this season, the first match being an equally exciting and friendly match which was sportingly decided, much to Banchory’s credit, by a run out in the last over.
Man of the Match – John Davey, top scorer, two wickets and fielded well.
Champagne Moment – Karthik’s 6 which decided the game.

 Grammar won the toss again and asked Dunecht to bat. The wicket was damp but flat and reasonably firm considering the amount of rain since summer way back in April. Their decision to employ a keen, young groundsman was paying dividends.

Kieran Whyte opened the bowling from ‘far’ end with Michael Blues bowling from the scoreboard end. Both bowlers immediately found a good line and length, but with the outfield being slow it took until the 8^th over before extras were overtaken by batsmen, Dunecht score 10 – 0.

FP’s made the breakthrough in the 11^th over when Basheer moved back and across to a straight ball from Whyte and was plumb LBW for 8 runs, Dunecht 14 – 1.

Blues was given a rest after an opening spell of 6 – 0 – 10 – 0, bowling well but having no luck with a couple of ‘nearly ‘catches. Whyte was also rested after bowling a more economical spell than his captain realised, 9 – 5 – 7 – 1. Opening batsman S. Scott took several blows to various parts of his body from Whyte during this impressive bowling spell.

Vijay replaced Whyte and also bowled with accuracy and pace. Dunecht batsman Somu had played some excellent drives, but was out for 28 when he sliced a big drive off Vijay to gully where wicketkeeper Pehlaj took a very well judged skier, Dunecht 52 – 2 off 23 overs.

New bowler Magesh was paying the price for having an early night and turning up on time, unusually taking until his 6^th over before he struck. Batsman Merryweather was the victim, coolly caught by Sandeep at short square leg for a duck, Dunecht 52 – 3.

FP’s finally got rid of opener Scott when Vijay bowled him for an obdurate 12 runs, Dunecht score 58 – 4. Scott showed great patience and determination in his innings, the damp outfield costing him deserved runs.

Vijay was bowling a great spell, and soon bowled Bala with a beautiful in swinger, Dunecht struggling on 59 – 5 off 29 overs.

N.Scott had a different attitude to batting and took two shots to get into double figures, perhaps being hit on the foot by Vijay and finding walking very painful helped decide the tactics.

DeGabrielle also hit a six as Dunecht tried to counter attack, but DeGabrielle tried to attack Vijay and was out well caught by Blues at deep mid on for 15 (1 x 6, 1 x 4), Dunecht 86 – 6 off 35 overs.

Next over Rama bowled Murray with a good ball, and Dunecht skipper Burnett was bowled by a jaffa from Vijay as the Dunecht collapse continued, Dunecht 94 – 8. Vijay took another wicket in his next over when he bowled Clark who failed to score.

Scott was trying to farm the bowling by taking singles while retaining the strike, but he was beaten for pace by Whyte, bowled for a fighting 23 runs, leaving Dyer 1 n.o. as Dunecht finished 102 all out.

The Grammar bowling on the whole was excellent, although a quarter of the Dunecht total was scored in two overs, neither of which were bowled by Vijay whose spell of 12 – 3 – 22 – 6 was easily his best to date for FP’s.

The fielding was tight with Pehlaj the stand out.

FP’s had two players who had to leave early, and so Rama was partnered by that well known socialite Ian Goodenough.

Goodenough obviously had free drinks waiting for him, and was soon out bowled by Clark in the third over for 1, FP’s 5 – 1. Sandeep also had to leave early to help out with a flitting, hopefully of the daylight rather than moonlight variety. Sandeep could see the sun disappearing behind the trees meaning he had to go, that and being bowled middle stump by Clark, FP’s 16 – 2 off 5 overs.

Rama was batting well and together with Rob ‘find the fielder’ Fryer added 31 runs in patient style before Rama was out caught off Basheer for 27 (2 x 4), FP’s 47 – 3 off 21 overs.

Fryer then hit two lovely fours in an over, but was out the following over when he mistimed a drive as the ball ‘stopped’, and was caught off Basheer for 20 (2 x 4), FP’s 56 – 4 off 23 overs.

Methlick match winner Pehlaj got off the mark with a nice glance for two, then hit the next ball for four. At the other end Paul Norwood was finding the gaps and keeping the score moving in singles.

The score was creeping towards the Dunecht total and had reached 81 off 32 overs. Pehlaj was looking comfortable, but a good ball from the recalled Clark hit him on the foot in front of the stumps, and he was out LBW for 15 (2 x 4).

Norwood survived a loud caught behind appeal, but was out soon after, caught off the bowling of Merryweather for 8, FP’s 81 – 6.

Blues was next in and batted calmly as he and Vijay looked to finish the game. But as the pressure began to mount, the ball suddenly began to roll across the grass slower and in the outfield it was not only the Dunecht keeper who seemed larger than life.

But the balance of the game shifted in one no-ball when Blues hooked a high full toss off his nose for four, those five runs changing the atmosphere. The game was now winnable in two shots, and Vijay did just that, first with a great pull for six and then he finished the match next over with a boundary, FP’s 106 – 6 off 40.5 overs, Blues 9 n.o. Vijay 12 n.o. Best bowling for Dunecht Clark 12 – 3 – 19 – 3.

A good, hard fought victory over the ever friendly Dunecht team. Grammar had the best of the conditions, bowling first on a damp wicket which regularly had balls popping up and a few which kept low, and then batting when the outfield had begun to dry in the warm sunshine which suddenly appeared during tea.

Man of the Match – Vijay, 6 – 22 and cameo innings at the end.

Champagne Moment – The Mike Blues hook for four to calm the nerves.

The two captains Rob Fryer and Stewart Kennedy deserve great praise for persuading their teams to start the game, never mind completing the match as the rain got heavier and the players got wetter.

FP’s bowlers started well as the new artificial wicket at Rubislaw soaked up the rain. But then Kennedy found his timing and began to up the scoring rate, with some good shots off his legs as the FP’s bowlers struggled to control the sodding sodden ball.

 But then skipper Fryer cleverly brought on Doug Russell to bowl and with his first ball, Russell had Kennedy LBW to his ‘slower’ ball for 58, Methlick  87- 1 off 13 overs.

Russell bowled well slowing the scoring rate during his spell of 8 – 1 – 18 – 2, as did Andy Milne who bowled 5  – 1 – 17 – 1, his wicket courtesy of a sharp piece of work when Pehlaj who stumped Young.

Grammar opened the batting with Fryer and Rama and the score had Rama was out for 4, FP’s score 11 - 1. Blyth soon followed also out for 4, FP’s 16 – 2.

Left hander Pehlaj started carefully, but was soon hitting shots all round the wicket, including the not seen often enough shot, his graceful cover drive. Both Fryer and Pehlaj tend to score along the ground, so must have been frustrated by the longish wet outfield. 

Fryer was out for 33 (4 x 4), score 92 – 3 off 24 overs. New batsman Karthik batted sensibly and the 4th wicket added 73 runs off 12 overs and with victory in sight Karthik was out for 29 ( 1 x 4), FP’s score 165 – 5.

Russell then helped Pehlaj see FP’s home with 6 overs to spare, Pehlaj ending a brilliant 96 not out (8 x 4) 

Both teams deserve great credit for playing to the finish in miserable conditions, especially the young Methlick team who played to the end without complaint. 

Keeping the ball dry was impossible, and the bowlers had to bowl with a roundish bar of soap, not helping accurate bowling, and underfoot conditions deteriorated in the dismal weather. 

Man of the Match – Pehlaj, batted brilliantly to get to within four of his hundred, and kept wicket well in tricky conditions.

 Champagne Moment – Probably getting out of the rain.

Crescent lost the toss and opened the batting with Tharanaj and Godia. The first scoring six shots were boundaries, with Whyte unusually going for three fours in one over, a lightening outfield not helping.

Nick Blyth made the breakthrough in the 6th over when he had Godia given out LBW for 4, Crescent 24 – 1. Crescent skipper Swabey also got off the mark with a boundary, but was Blyth’s next victim when he was bowled for 11 (2 x 4) Crescent 42 – 2. Blyth produced a perfect fast yorker in his next over to bowl Birch for a duck, Crescent 45- 3 off 11.5 overs.

Whyte had found his line and length, but was having no luck as the batsmen played and missed several times, Whyte bowling 7- 1 – 25 – 0. Vijay replaced Whyte from the Cromwell Road end, but had problem finding his length and opener Tharanaj continued his tactic of having a go at anything not on a length. Magesh came to bowl from the Pavillion End after another excellent spell from the in form Blyth who bowled 7 – 2 – 22 – 3.

Magesh opened with a maiden, but in his second over took 2 wickets in 2 balls when he bowled Ward for 8 (1 x 4) and then Ramalingas, leaving Crescent 79 – 5.
Next over Vijay bowled Bathgate with a good yorker, Crescent 80 – 6, and in his following over, Vijay took two more wickets, both bowled by good straight, full length balls, including the key wicket of Tharanaj for 45 (1 x 6, 7 x 4), Crescent 90 – 8 off 21 overs. Tharanaj had been severe on anything short from the first over and not afraid to play aerial shots.

Gibson was playing with sensible aggression, and with Maclennans help added 19 valuable runs taking Crescent to 115 all out, Magesh bowling Maclannan for a duck. Gibson batted well, scoring 25 no (1 x 6, 3 x 4) and was unfortunate Crescent had only 10 men. For FP’s, Magesh took 3 – 21, Blyth 3 – 22, Vijay 3 – 38.

FP’s had 66 overs to score the 116 runs requires and openers Fryer and Rama got off to a steady start scoring 16 in 4.5 overs when Fryer mistimed an on drive and was caught by mid on for 14 (2 x 4). Rama had taken 10 off Gibsons 3rd over, but was out caught off Swabey for 12 (2 x 4), FP’s 31 – 2.

Blyth had hit three good boundaries, but was out when bowled by Gibson for 12, FP’s 51 – 3. Johnston and Pehlaj added 15 runs when Tharanaj produced a good ball which moved in off the wicket and hit the top of off stump bowling Johnston for 3, FP’s 65 – 4.

Vijay got off the mark with a boundary, and together with Pehlaj added a match winning 55 runs in 8 overs before Vijay was out very well caught by Ramalinhas at deep mid wicket for 14 (2 x 4). Russell did not face a ball as Pehlaj finished the game off. Pehlaj finished 55 no (8 x 4) and produced his best batting display for FP’s, with some lovely shots off his legs. Timing was the key for Pehlaj.
This was a well deserved fifty following a long net session earlier in the week, practice making perfect. It also justified the two rounds of applause he gained due to a score book mix up.

FP’s won the game comfortably in the end taking advantage of an under strength Crescent. FP’s bowlers proved that line and length works, taking two wickets lbw and seven bowled.

Man of the Match – Pehlaj, kept wicket very well and was top scorer in the match.

Champagne Moment – Pehlaj very cooly reaching his ‘second’ fifty.

Last weeks heroes against Ellon 2nds Rob Fryer and Nick Blyth were joined by Johnston, Davey, Pehlaj, Rama and Grades debutants Vijay and Paul Norwood. This weeks FP’s debutant was Doug Bennett, wearing a team shirt from a previous life. Fortunately for Bennett, a spare jersey was found to cover the badge and sponsors logo, otherwise 9 men or not, he would have been on the next bus home.

The usual toss winning call was lost to a two tailed coin, and Grammar were invited to bat on a greenish but flat wicket. Rob Fryer again looked in great form, apart from finding the fielders with good shots, and being dismissed LBW to Banchory skipper Hicks for 5 runs, FP’s 9 – 1.

Rama was looking to play his shots, but was beaten all ends up by a good swinging delivery bowled by left arm bowler D. Redpath for 9 (1 x 4), FP’s 21 – 2 off 7 overs.

Vijay played one fine pull for four but went back and across his stumps to a straight ball from Hicks and was hit plumb in front, out LBW for 14, FP’s 48 – 3.
John Davey had ‘damaged’ his regular bat and had to borrow one, and immediately settled in. His second scoring shot was a towering 6.

New batsman Blyth, who top scored with 83 the previous week did not last long, holing out at deep mid on while trying to get off the mark, Eadie taking a good catch, FP’s 53 – 4.
New batsman Pehlaj got off the mark with a pull for four, and began taking singles to feed the strike to in form Davey. The 5th wicket stand was worth 55 runs when Pehlaj was out caught behind off a thin edge for 17 (2 x 4) FP’s 108 – 5 off 26 overs.

Debutant Bennett joined Davey in the middle, and with the game evenly poised, the batsmen went on the offensive scoring 95 runs in only 10 overs with a fantastic display of shots. Davey blitzed 28 off two overs, including 3 x 6′s. Bennett also played exactly the right way, blocking the good balls and hitting the bad balls. The stand would have been worth more but for the slow outfield.

Davey was showing no mercy to the Banchory bowlers, bringing up his hundred with a great flick off his hips for 6, and was finally out when he was caught by Schuman off the bowling of S. Redpath for 109 (7 x 6, 10 x 4), FP’s score 200 – 6. He also dispelled the myth that the borrowed bat had no middle, the owner not knowing whether to laugh or cry. Only one run was added when Bennett was caught by Eadie off Schunaman for 35 ( 1 x 6, 4 x 4).

Norwood  and Johnston added a further 7 runs before Norwood was very well caught by Eadie in the gully for 5 runs, leaving Johnston and his bat, only just prised from Davey’s grasp, 3 no. FP’s total 208 all out off 39.2 overs.

Top bowlers for Banchory were Hicks took 3 38 and Schunaman 2 – 38. Banchory fielded well with Eadie a stand out taking three excellent catches.

Blyth and Vijay opened the bowling for FP’s, Blyth choosing to bowl with the wind, helping him get a bit of swing. Openers Hicks and the experienced Campbell were regularly beaten by Vijay, but just couldn’t find the edge in the early overs. After the opening overs, Banchory batted steadily and after 15 overs the score had reached a dangerous 64 – 0.

But the first to strike and claiming his first ever wicket for FP’s was Rama the Relieved who bowlled Campbell with a beauty for 27 (2 x 4). Davey struck the very next over by having Hicks LBW in Davey’s second over for 31 (7 x 4). Rama took a second wicket with another great delivery which bowled Campbell for 27 (2 x 4), Banchory now 78 – 3 off 20 overs.

Banchory staged a recovery, the fourth wicket adding 65 runs, Blyth making the breakthrough in his first over after being brought back, keeper Pehlaj taking the catch off S. Redpath for 18 (2 x 4).

FP’s then took two quick wickets, C. James was run out following a good throw by Bennett, and Vijay finally got a well deserved wicket when Pehlaj again took the catch, Banchory 151 – 6 off 37 overs. At this stage Banchory needed 53 runs off 13 overs.

Tension was mounting and Davey struck again when he bowled Eadie for 10 (1 x 4). J. Schuneman was keeping the score moving with some aggressive hitting, but was finally out when well caught by Bennett off Davey at deep mid wicket for 64 (9 x 4), Banchory 187 – 8, a key wicket for FP’s.

W. Redpath and W. Schuneman were still looking to win the game, and with the gaps in the field, ran hard to add 13 runs. But Fryer showed all his experience and great presence of mind during a run mix up to send in a sharp return to keeper Pehlaj, who ran out Redpath for 5, Banchory score 195 – 8.

The game reached an exciting climax with one over remaining and 6 runs required when D. Redpath drove Davey to deep cover. Blyth picked up cleanly and rocketed in a throw to the bowlers end where Davey cooly collected and young Schuneman was run out inches short of the crease. Banchory final score 203 all out.

This was a good result for FP’s, stand outs in the field were Bennett, Pehlaj and Blyth, but everyone contributed as the pressure mounted on the Banchory youngsters. Wicket takers for FP’s were Davey 3 – 45, Rama 2 – 38, Blyth 1 – 33, Vijay 1- 55.

All four results were possible as the match reached it’s climax, an exciting game played in great spirit by both teams.

Man of the Match – John Davey, a brilliant clean hitting 109 with a borrowed bat and 3 – 45
Champagne Moment – Davey’s 6 to reach his hundred