But Knightriders captain Mohan came up with a novel idea by suggesting we bowl all the overs from the same playable end. With both captains agreeing that it would otherwise be a waste of a rare dry, sunny day and finding no reason not to, the game was on.

Grammar had made three changes to the team from last week, out went Kieran Whyte, Sandeep and Joy, and in came Rizwan and two debutants, Rahul and Matt Barker.

Playing a game of cricket bowling only from one end was not the only first, as all the FP’s team arrived on time, and the game actually started early.

Grammar had won the toss and asked Knightriders to bat first. Karthik opened from the Cromwell Road end, with Kiran as his opening partner, also bowling from the Cromwell Road end. FP’s bowlers began well, beating the bat on several occasions, but the Knightriders batsmen were quick to take advantage of any loose deliveries and after 10 overs, and 1 drinks break (!), the score was 44 – 0. But Karthik, unlucky with a good LBW shout, made the much needed breakthrough in the 11th over by bowling Rowan with a beautiful inswinger which hit leg stump. Rowan out for 17 (2 x 4).

After bowling 5 – 0 – 24 – 0, Kiran was feeling the effects of a foot injury and was replaced by Magesh at the er, Cromwell Road end. New batsman Rashid’s first scoring shot was a beautiful straight drive for 6, but the unflappable Magesh had the perfect answer next over by bowling Kannan for 23 (2 x 4), KR score 55 – 2, 14 overs.

Karthik and Magesh slowed the scoring rate with only 9 runs off the next 7 overs, Karthik ended another great spell of bowling with 9 – 2 – 23 – 1, and would have had another deserved wicket, but last weeks bat breaker became this week’s heart-breaker by juggling with and then dropping a chance at point. Rizwan replaced Karthik and was equally unlucky when another chance was juggled and dropped by the same fielder.

But Magesh came to FP’s rescue when he bowled Rashid for 17 and two overs later had Vinod given out LBW for 6, KR 87 – 4, 25.1 overs. More drinks breaks slowed down the over rate, but the well refreshed Knightriders middle order batsmen were now playing with more attacking intent. The slow outfield meant that FP’s boundary fielders Barker and Karthik were kept busy.

But with the partnership worth 73 runs, Rangarajan was caught without incident by Macdonald off a recovered Kiran for 37 (2 x 6, 1 x 4), KR 160 – 5, 38.5 overs.

KR batsman P. Ballal was batting very well taking full advantage of any loose deliveries  reaching a well deserved 50 by hitting a huge 6 of Kiran. Revenge was sweet for Kiran 2 balls later as he bowled Ballal for 54, KR 179 – 6, 41.5 overs.

Magesh took 3 – 48 off 12 overs, meaning 10 wickets in only 2 games, a great start to the season for last seasons top wicket taker.

Rahul then came on for a debut  bowl against a KR side looking to score runs quickly, and bowled with good control. He took his first wicket in his 4th over having Selve smartly caught by the reliable Rizwan at backward square leg for 5 (1 x 4). Next over Rahul bowled Prashant with a beautiful off break for 4, and KR then declared with the total 199 – 8 off 44 overs. For FP’s, Kiran bowled 8 – 0 – 46 – 2, Rizwan 7 – 0 – 39 – 0, Rahul 5 – 0 – 25 – 2.

The bowling was on the whole was quite good against a strong batting line up, helped by the keen fielders and a slow outfield. But the wides total this week was still way too high despite keeper Pehlaj’s great efforts. One particular leg-side take looked impossible as he stretched way across on one leg, and as a bonus, flicked the ball onto the stumps in one unexpected movement.

Rama and Pehlaj went out to bat, and the arrival of the 1st XI meant standing room only in front of the Pavilion. But there was not much to cheer as Rama was soon dismissed, out LBW for 1, FP’s score 5 – 1.

Pehlaj and Macdonald found the KR bowling very accurate and it soon became obvious that the chances of scoring 200 runs were receding fast. Bowlers Prashanth and P. Mali were giving nothing away and the first real aggressive shot Pehlaj played caused his downfall when he was well caught by Vinod at wide mid off for 12, FP’s 24 – 2, 14 overs.

Karthik was out soon after hitting a full toss to mid off, caught by Mohan off Kannan, FP’s 28 – 3, 16 overs. Three overs and 3 runs later, Macdonald was bowled by Kannan for 14 (1 x 4), FP’s 31 – 4. (The scorebook credited Macdonald with 13, but Aly the abacus reckons 14)

Tim Gillies survived until the 23rd over when Prasanth bowled him for 1, FP’s now in full collapse mode, 37 – 5 and with another 23 overs to survive.

Rizwan had settled in well and looked comfortable at the wicket and together with Johnston set about saving the match for FP’s.

The crowd drifted away as the defensive tactics against KR disciplined bowling and sharp fielding made dull viewing. As the overs ticked by, Johnston’s dour batting performance meant his lucrative IPL contract would probably not be renewed, but Rizwan ensured FP’s gained valuable batting points by hitting any tempting bad balls for four.

Next FP’s batsman due in Matt Barker was so excited he fell asleep and not even the occasional very loud KR appeal could wake him up.

KR changed the bowling at regular intervals, but Rizwan and Johnston coped with all that KR could throw at them. However, in the 42nd over, Johnston could not cope with what was thrown at him by Siva, and was given out LBW for 5, FP’s 70 – 6 off 42 overs. The sixth wicket had scored 23 runs in only 19 overs, meaning 5 overs remaining to see out the draw.

Fortunately Barker was by now awake enough to bat without taking any risks and the in form Rizwan continued to frustrate the KR bowlers. Off the last ball of the game Rizwan walloped a huge 6 over mid on to finish the game on 43 n.o. (1 x 6, 5 x 4)

FP’s ended 86 – 6 off 46 overs, gaining a valuable 14 points from the draw. For KR, top bowlers were Kannan, 2 – 32, Prashanth 10 – 5 – 8 – 1.

Knightriders look a stronger team than last seasons, so FP’s can be satisfied with securing a draw. However the bowlers need to tighten up as too many wides meant the KR total was always going to be a big ask.

Man of the Match – Rizwan, bowled well, good catch and a match saving, points gaining innings.

Champagne Moment – Knightriders great idea to bowl from same end.

We wish to send our condolences to his son Chris who we played against as recently as last week, his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Morrison was then dropped one of the easiest chances of the season and Davey was dropped twice in succesive balls, but FPs failed to take advantage as Hinchcliffe bowled Morrison for 5 as FPs slipped to 25 for 3.  Davey then fell in bizarre circumstances, caught off a long hop via the back of his bat.  Knudson them suffered an injury which required a runner and after a full audit of the equipment being sported by his runner, the unlikely figure of Skipper Morrison the game continued only for Knudson to promptly be bowled.  FPs declined further to 52 for 6 as McDonald was bowled for 5 and Mapplebeck failed to help matters as he ran himself out for 3.

FPs then quickly declined to 69 all out as Sam Knudson was bowled for a duck and then James Lord and Clelland were both LBW as the season’s LBW count reached 6.

69 was never likely to be anywhere enough, but FPs did at least pick up 2 wickets as Vijapur bowled a good 7 over spell, yorking Milroy for 11 and comprehensively bowling Keith for 2 to record figures of 2 for 21.  Stuart bowled tidily but FPs lack of runs meant that a good 37 not out from Donald ensured that Stonehaven cruised to victory.

FPs face Mannofield next week if a pitch can be installed in time and they will need to find some batting form if they ar to start getting some serious points on the board.

But at least it was sunny when FP’s won the toss and asked CA skipper Dickie to bat. The boundary flags were set in the usual positions, but the lush, soft, bumpy outfield meant it would take a very good ground stroke to cross the line.

FP’s team to play CA had several new faces from last season. Long serving FP’s stalwart Rob Fryer had decided to leave and accepted the Lairds shilling, that and the thought of the well maintained outfield for his cover drive and the short car drive from home to Methlick, meant FP’s would be missing a key man in the line up.

The 2nd XI team read Johnston, Magesh, Rama, Pehlaj, Macdonald, Karthik, Dr Joy, Gillies, Whyte, Sandeep, with FP debuts for Tim Gillies and Kiran Yalamanchili.

The CA line up had several of their famous Legends missing, with the even more legendary Fountain of Youth also missing from one or two.

Kieran Whyte opened the bowling from the Pavilion End and Karthik from the Cromwell Road End. Both bowlers immediately found a good line and length meaning the opening batsmen struggled to score, both bowlers were unlucky as lofted shots dropped safely between fielders and a tricky catch was dropped.

FP’s made the breakthrough in the 7th over when Dickie was adjudged LBW to Whyte for 2, score 7 – 1. Karthik then struck in the next over when new batsman O’Brien was bowled for 2, unluckily playing on, CA score 9-2, 7.3 overs.

Whyte’s opening spell ended with figures of 8 – 2 – 14 – 1, an excellent spell at any time of the season, never mind the first game of the season on a cold winter’s day. Kiran replaced Kieran, and bowled well to an attacking field, and newly appointed vice captain Magesh replacing Karthik.

Karthik, usually a slow starter to the season, bowled possibly his best spell for FP’s, 9 – 2 – 17 – 1, and was unlucky not to take more wickets.

The 3rd wicket stand was worth a healthy 46 when Magesh found a way past Prabesh’s defence, bowling him for 19 (1 x 6), CA score 55 – 3. Anderson was batting well, but the slow outfield meant FP’s were happy to give Anderson easy singles to bowl at the new batsmen. FP’s fielding had been keen in the cool temperatures and Anderson’s patience finally ran out when he advanced down the wicket to Magesh and edged to slip where Macdonald did very well to hold on to a sharp catch at slip low to his left, Anderson scoring 33, CA 79 – 4 in 30 overs.

Kiran was bowling some excellent deliveries, but R Munro defied his best efforts as FP’s looked for another quick wicket. Magesh, by his own admission, was not at his best, but kept taking wickets; having two batsmen were bowled round their legs, Abi offered a simple caught & bowled and Karthik comfortably held on to an awkward cold – hand catch at mid off as FP’s took 6 wickets for 19 runs. Melvin Joy replaced Kiran and took a wicket with his 3rd ball, with Karthik successfully overtaking Macdonald in the race for the catching cup.

New batsman Chisolm, known to bat for days without taking on food or water, played very carefully, and was joined by the last two batsmen, both 10 years old. L. Munro was stumped by Pehlaj without scoring, but A. Dalziel lasted several overs playing with good technique and good attitude, refusing to be intimidated by the close fielders hovering around his bat, much to the delight of his team mates. He was eventually bowled by Magesh, CA all out 106 off 41.3 overs, with Chisolm 4 n.o.

Magesh took the bowling honours with a career best 7 – 30 off 11.3 overs, but will be grateful for Whyte and Karthik’s excellent opening spell. For FP’s, Kiran bowled 9 – 0 – 35 – 0, Joy 4 – 1 – 6 – 1. FP’s fielded well, with Sandeep and Gillies looking keen, and Pehlaj saving several leg side runs. Maybe the 27 wides can be excused a little given the cold conditions and it being the first game. Maybe.

Tea was taken in the warmth of the Pavilion during which a heavy hailstone shower dampened the wicket and outfield.

Rama and Pehlaj went out to open for FP’s and both looked in good form, taking the score to 21 without any real problems. But unexpectedly Rama went back and across to a straight ball from Thompson and was given out LBW (by both umpires) for 7, FP’s 21 off 7 overs.

Pehlaj was playing some lovely drives and cuts and along with Macdonald kept the score moving. Macdonald was also in good form, driving powerfully through the covers. Anderson bowled a tidy spell until the joints seized up and Macdonald took advantage by hitting 2 x 4′s and Pehlaj took another boundary in the same over.

The topic of conversation at square leg was about cricket equipment, thermal underwear equipment that is, and how many layers were being worn. For the record, or more likely, next week, the M&S wool thermals got the vote.

FP’s were cruising to victory, but the temperature fell as the dark clouds with accompanying cold wind which felt like it was coming direct from the Russian Steppes. But it turned out to be from the Rubislaw steps, bringing with it a heavy hail storm. With the game all but won, AC generously stayed on the pitch without complaint.

Macdonald was out caught off Thomson for an attractive 22 (3 x 4), but will have to look for another bat as he became the third player to break his captains bat. Not sure where the other two batsmen are playing now.

Pehlaj and Karthik were now going for their shots and the game was finished after 24.5 overs with Pehlaj completing a classy 52 n.o. (1 x 6, 4 x 4) and Karthik a rapid 15 n.o. (1 x 4) For AC, Thomson bowled 11 – 2 – 24 – 2, and youngsters Munro and Dalziel both bowled with promise, and their fielding was excellent.

The game ended with friendly handshakes all round, where it might have been more appropriate in the conditions to rub noses.

FP’s got off to the perfect start winning their first game in Grade 2 for many years by a convincing 8 wickets. Magesh and Pehlaj make the headlines, but all the bowlers played their part, and the fielding was good first game of the season.

Man of the Match – Magesh, 7 wickets with his first bowl since last August.

Champagne Moment – Pehlaj reaching a well deserved 50

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Booth struck 47 at the top of the order

FPs slipped to a 115 run defeat to Cults as Cults opener Devedas smashed an excellent 71 and Gillanders made an effortless unbeaten 66.  FPs showed a much more attacking approach with the bat in a complete departure from their usual pedestrian way but having lost 2 wickets in the 1st 2 overs of the reply they were always up against it.  Booth struck a blistering 47 at the top of the order but lacked support as only Davey 26 and youngster Mapplebeck 23 made double figures.

FPs new skipper Morrison won the toss and opted to bowl, handing the new ball to Vijapur and new man Mapplebeck.  However a combination of short bowling and fine batting meant Cults raced away to put on 99 for the 1st wicket in only 15 overs.  Devadas blasting 4 sixes and 6 fours on his way to 71 before eventually falling brilliantly caught in the gully by a diving McDonald off Lord’s bowling.

Spearman soon followed his opening partner, edging behind to Booth and stumped to ensure he departed for 22.  Saraswat hit a huge 6 before miscuing a full toss straight to Vijapur off Lord.  Phil Gill was then quickly despatched completely misjudging an offspinner from Knudson to fall for a duck – Cults 115 for 4.  Debo was then expertly stumped by Booth but was granted an unlikely reprieve due to Booth taking the ball to or early or perhaps breaking the wicket without the ball in a slightly sour moment.  He went on to make 27 as Gillanders passed 50 with the minimum of fuss, Debo easily caught by Senthil off Khan.

Stuart was bowling a good spell but with his usual lack of luck as 3 catches went down off him, before eventually a simple chance at point was claimed by Khan.  Gillanders hit a few more big blows as Cults reached 236, ahead of the returning Mapplebeck removing Masoud for 12, caught behind by Booth as Cults declared on 236 for 7.

Booth and Vijapur was the new opening partnership, but things started badly for FPs as Vijapur was out 1st ball and his replacement Senthil made just 4 unlucky to be bowled by Kruba by one that kept low – FPs 7 for 2.  Davey joined Booth and they played with real intent in an effort to chase the target adding 54 in 10 overs but suffered a mortal blow as Devendras struck with his 1st ball to bowl Booth for a fine 43.  FPs then slumped to 67 for 5 as Khan was plumb LBW and McDonald was caught for 3.  Knudson joined Davey, but the partnership was shortlived as Davey was adjudged LBW for 26.

Mapplebeck then struck a graceful 23 until he was caught off Devendras.  Morrison made 6 before he was bowled by a shooter, and Stuart and Lord suffered a similar fate as Devendras completed an unlikely hatrick to seal victory for Cults.

Overall, FPs should not be to downcast by the defeat as there were some positive signs and the overall approach was one of attack which should serve them well as the season develops.  The game was played in a good spirit and this was aided by the usual excellent performance by umpire Sutherland who controlled proceedings.  Stonehaven away will be another tough assignment next week.

If the weather forecast is to be believed then it looks like we should get some cricket in on Saturday. If not, we will still be meeting at the club so don’t let the rain dampen your spirits too much and we’ll see you there!