New Club Kit

We will shortly be ordering a new batch of club kit to arrive in time for the start of the 2012 season. Various options are available, for example short sleeve or long sleeve, sweaters or “traditional” knitted jumpers.

We can’t afford to carry too much stock so let us know what you would like by completing this brief survey. Completing this survey does not commit you to buying anything but we will use the results to order the most popular items.

evailability

Not your availability to play for Yorkshire but rather Grammar Cricket moving into the electronic age next season. All squad players will shortly receive an email from the teamer.net website which we will be using to collect availability and send out team selections.

The Committee have trialled this for their own meetings and have managed, with one or two notable exceptions, to work out how it all works. We’re confident that this will make things easier for everyone, but particularly the team captains.

Invitations to pre-season net sessions, which we expect to start towards the end of February, will come out through teamer so please make sure that you follow the registration instructions when you get them.

Sponsorship Opportunities

While the Committee is continuing to investigate funding options for the replacement of the kit lost in last year’s fire the club as a whole need to look at any and all ways of bringing in much needed funds.

If you can think of any individuals and/or companies who would be willing to put something into local cricket then now is the time to approach them. An easy and relatively cheap way to do this is through matchball sponsorship which is available at £25 per game.

For those willing and able to donate a larger amount then website and/or club kit advertising is also available. If you know of anyone who might be interested in this then please get in touch with Club Treasurer, Geoff Morrison, who will be more than happy to sound them out.

Player Recruitment

While the club enjoyed reasonable availability last season we are always on the lookout for new talent at all levels. With pre-season nets just a few weeks away now is the time for us all to stay on the lookout for new players.

If you know of anyone who might be interested in joining us please pass on details of nets once they’re available. You can also pass on our website details and ask them to sign up for our website alerts.

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.

With Skipper Knudson on holiday, stand in Morrison called correctly and invited Stonehaven to bat.  FPs got off to a great start as Bakhshi bowled the dangerous Milroy for 6 in the 3rd over.  Bakhshi and Lord continued to keep things tight with Stonehaven raching 32 for in 15 when Stuart and Eagles were introduced.

Stuart should have had Donald early but Booth failed to claim the chance on the long off boundary and Eagles then suffered similarly bad luck as Morrison shelled Donald at long off in the next over, an x-ray later proving it had fracturd his finger in two places for his pains.  These let offs allowed Donald to then hit Eagles for 2 boundaries before some fine glovework by Clelland saw him well stumped for 23 only moments after Booth had taken a well judged catch off Stuart’s bowling to dismiss Clive Hinchcliffe for 20 – Stonehaven 55 for 3.  Campbell was also brilliantly stumped by Clelland for 5 as FPs started to make in-roads.

A Hinchcliffe an d Wilson then combined in a long stand before Wilson was forced to retire hurt which brought Balsillie to the crease.  After once again displaying his reverse sweep against the spinners, Bakhshi was recalled to bowl him for 2.  He also bowled Hinchcliffe for a well played 40 and made it 3 in the over as he bowled Long for 1.  In his next over he dispatched Gardiner’s off stump for 1 as he grabbed 5 for 30.  With Stonehaven now desperate for quick runs, Findley was last to go, easily run out by Morrison from short fine leg.

With only 128 needed for victory, FPs were cautiously optimistic, but were soon in danger of a heavy defeat as they slipped to 38 for 5.  First stand in opener McDonald was bowled Hinchcliffe for 2, then Lord walked caught behind by Milroy off Findley.  Booth only made 6 before being bowled by Hinchcliffe and Eagles fell to the same fate for 2.  Davey looked like he could save FPs but was caught off an average delivery on the boundary from Walthan’s bowling.

Khan batted in his usual outrageous style and had added 21 with Clelland before being disastrous run out for 18.  Clelland then found an ally in Bakhshi and some very aggresive running allowed then to add 33 and carry FPs to 92 for 7 when Milroy who had taken off the pads bowled Clelland for 12.  Morrison appeared at 9 as FPs sought to find 35 runs from the last 7 overs.  Both batsmen found the boundary in adding 13 but with 23 needed from 4, the excellent Hinchcliffe struck bowling the Australian for 25.

Lord joined Morrison but some accurate bowling meant they could not find the runs needed as the game closed as  a draw.  It inched FPs nearer safety, but they will still need a decent result at Ellon to be certain of their Grade 1 status next term.

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

FPs won the toss and asked Banchory to bat, making 2 changes James Lord and Chris Clelland replacing the injured Vijapur and the unavailable Booth.  Lord and Bakhshi took the new ball and Banchory made sedate progress to 32 for no wicket in 13 overs, the only alarm being Stuart failing to cling onto a sharp chance at point.  Stuart however, soon made in-roads with the ball clean bowling Perry in the 14th over for 6.  He nearly had Itter in his next ovver, Morrison diving forward at point but only succedding in gashing his finger and failing to complete the catch.  Stuart, however, soon had Itter pinning him plumb LBW for 25.

Banchory then lost 3 wickets on 45 as slow left armer Eagles had Chicana bang in front for 1 before the oddest dismissal of the season as James batting deep in his crease, retreated further and inexplicably demolished middle stump to be out for a duck hit wicket, the first time Eagles’ pace had ever stuck fear into an opponent.  He then had Sharma sensationally caught by Tenneti one handed at slip as he somehow managed to twist and stretch to claim the ball inches from the turf.  Eagles soon had 4 as Morrison claimed the simplest chance of the season at mid wicket Virk chipping tamely to him to go for 2.

Starling and Khan then combined in a good stand of 51, Starling in particular playing some fine shots, including a fine straight 6.  Tenneti and Bakhshi both spilled catchable chances on the boundary before Stuart snapped up a sharp chance at mid wicket as Khan removed Kahn for 19.  Stirling replaced him and absolutely middled one of the first deliveries he received which went like a rocket towards the boundary, only for Morrison to intercept it right on the line to remove him for a duck.

Bakhshi returned and removed Starling with a slower ball, bowling him off stump for a well played 35 before Khan comprehensively bowled Miller for 3 as Banchory were bowled out for 123 in 45.3 overs.  Eagles was the pick of the bowlers with 4 for 13 in 12 overs, Khan claiming 3 for 46 from 11.3, Stuart getting thing rolling with 2 for 11 from 5 and Bakhshi claiming the other wicket for 35 in 11 overs.

With Morrison injured, yet another change at the top of the order was made, skipper Knudson opening with Tenneti and they made slow progress to 16 for 1  in 10 overs Tenneti chipping Starling to mid wicket for 3.  McDonald replaced him and played with caution as he and Knudson added 21 in 11 overs, Knudson eventually getting frustrated and miscuing to point to go for an unusually laboured 16.

New man Davey knew FPs had to up the scoring rate from the pedestrain 1.5 an over and after 1 sighter launched Sharma for a textbook straight 6.  Clearly inspired by this McDonald also hit a six greeting Perry’s first ball with an imperious pull over square leg.  Perry however, had the last laugh  McDonald miscuing a high full toss to go for 27 much to his obvious disgust.  Eagles replaced him but did not last long bowled for 4.  FPs now 78 for 4, needing 46 from 13 overs. Davey launched another magnificent maximum as he and Khan quickly added 15, but Khan was bowled by Perry for 3.

Davey was now key to victory, but after a well paced 36 he was bowled by Virk with FPs still 21 from victory but with 7 overs left and 4 wickets still in hand.  Morrison and Bakhshi played cautiously adding 11 of the runs needed but using up 5 of the overs before Bakhshi fell for 5, well bowled by the ever accurate Miller.

The normal man to see FPs through a crisis is Clelland so he arrived on cue at number 9 but soon saw Morrison given out caught at the wicket off Virk for 5, FPs still needing 8 to win from 9 balls.  Lord should have gone first ball as he chipped a simple caught and bowled to Virk but somehow he failed to take the catch cleanly.

The game looked to be up for FPs next ball as Lord drove out to cover and set off for a tight run, Clelland sent him back but it was too late as Lord passed Clelland with Clelland stuck at the wrong end and the ball in the fielders hands.  Clelland had no no option but to run and appeared to have no chance but some calamitous wicketkeeping from James saw him drop the ball, before stumbling, he did eventually regain the ball and slowly break the wicket by which time somehow Clelland had managed to make his ground despite James’ looking somewhat sheepish.

Unperturbed Clelland showed his usual tactical nous cleverly getting 3 from the final ball to get himself on strike for the final over.  With 3 needed from the final over, Clelland could not get the first ball away but managed to tie the scores with a well placed 2 from the next ball.  With the field in, next ball Clelland picked his spot to claim the winning run with 3 balls to spare.

It was a fine effort from Clelland and Banchory deserve great credit for making such a game of it, Starling and Miller both really impressing with the ball.  FPs continue to dig themselves out of the relegation zone but will face a tough match next week at Stonehaven where they will need to try and get something to make sure they stay out of the bottom two.

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.

Stuart replaced Vijapur who was struggling with his shoulder and struck in his 3rd over bowling Devlin off his pads for 3.  Next to go was Venkat superbly caught by McDonald at silly mid off for 4.  Smith lasted no time as he was bowled by Bakhshi for a duck as Gordonians slipped to 26 for 5.

Stuart then delivered a double blow as he had Rajesh plumb LBW for 2 and then dispatched Rohit next ball, Khan diving forward to claim a fine catch.  The hat-trick ball was bang on the money, but Jones hit it straight for a couple.  Jones and Phani then combined in a useful stand and Phani hit Gordonians only boundary before Jones departed tamely chipping to Knudson at the unusual position of cover to depart for 11.

Eagles replaced Bakhshi after his 12 overs for 28 which gained 3 wickets and new man Eagles took just 10 balls to claim 2 for 1 as first his full toss was well held by a diving Booth at deep square leg and then he comprehensively bowled Brown for a duck as Gordonians were all out 65.

With Lord injured Morrison opened with the under the weather Pehlaj and they quickly added 14 in 2 overs before Pehlaj miscued a hook and was caught for 3 off Rohit.  Morrison departed with the score on 20 as he also miscued Rohit and was caught for 3.  This brought birthday boy Booth and Davey together and they added 35 in stylish manner, Booth hitting 3 fours and a huge six as he made 24 before being surprisingly bowled by Jones.  Jones then dispatched McDonald first ball, but the hat-trick ball went a bit wrong and was wided.  Davey took over where Booth let off driving straight for four, before finishing with an imperious pull over square leg for 6 as he finished on 25 not out.

The win, all but condemns Gordonians to Grade 2 next year, but FPs can still escape, although next week’s contest with Banchory will be pivotal.