For the Ellon match there six changes from the last game, back into the team came experienced Ian Goodenough, playing his third game for FP’s were Melvin Joy and Arun Chithambaram playing their second game were Purvesh Shah and Sachin Inamdar, and making his debut was Alastair Burke.

The pitch at Harlaw was damp at both ends from just short of a length, and the outfield had just been harvested, with Ellon skipper Hutcheson saying he should have brought a bailer.

The toss was won by Ellon who were a man short, and the game started with a steady roll of drying grass blowing across the wicket in a very strong westerly wind.

Grammar, put into bat, did not get off to a very good start when Johnston was out in the third over, caught behind off a faint touch of the glove, not felt, but unfortunately heard, and FP’s were 0-1.

New batsman Shah was looking to score at every opportunity, and played some powerful shots especially to the legside, with a pull for six and four in the same over standing out. He also played a couple of classy late cuts through gully which deserved to reach the boundary rather than disappear in a cloud of cuttings. But Fryer was also suffering the curse of the outfield, one back foot drive through the covers would have rebounded off the wall but for the outfield.

Ellon opening bowlers Hede and Dalgarno had bowled well and were both rested after their allowed six over spell, FP’s score 44 -1 off 12 overs. New bowler Park struck in his second over when Fryer was bowled by a yorker for 18, FP’s 63 – 2.

Grammar then had a bit of a collapse losing seven wickets for 33 runs. Purvesh was dismissed when he tried to turn a straight ball from Park to the legside and was given out LBW for an attractive 44 (1 x 6, 5 x 4, several x walked 2’s). Muthu had scored 6 when he was out caught off Dalgarno, Karthik was bowled by a big wind assisted inswinger bowled by Proctor, as was Burke for 3 and very next ball Joy was out caught, leaving FP’s 91 – 7 off 29 overs.

Every run was vital now and Sachin played a couple of good drives while scoring 5, and Goodenough was out for 13 having hit a couple of legside shots which were hit goodenough but not quite hardenough to roll over grass not cut shortenough. Last wicket pair Magesh (2no) and Arun (5) added an entertaining 11 runs, including a well struck boundary by Arun, before he was dismissed attempting another big hit. FP’s total 119 all out off 39.1 overs.

Not the best batting performance of the season, one which would have looked much worse but for the 63 runs partnership of Shah and Fryer. But if the mainly inexperienced FP’s bowlers could bowl line and length on a helpful wicket, a win was still possible. Ellon would have 50 overs to score the 120 required.

Karthik and Melvin opened the bowling and both bowled well, after 6 overs, 10 man Ellon were 16 – 0. In Karthik’s fourth over Dalgarno drove to mid on where Fryer made a tricky catch look easy and Ellon were 16 – 1. Wickets came like buses, Haseeb was run out by Magesh and Muthu, and Proctor was bowled by a beauty from Karthik, Ellon 22 – 3 off 9 overs.

Opener Montgomery and the equally experienced Parks steadied the innings with a big stand of 56, seeing off Karthik who bowled just about his best spell of the season, 12 – 2 – 19 – 2. Magesh replaced Roy, but this seasons leading wicket taker was bowling accurately but having no luck as the batsmen were not to be tempted. Off spinner Burke was given a debut bowl and got some turn, but again no luck in his spell.

Sachin had replaced Karthik and bowled accurately and finally made the breakthrough when he broke through Parks’s defence, bowling him for 18, score 78 – 4. Ellon progressed to 90 – 4 and required only 30 further runs when Hutcheson drove Shah over mid off, or it looked like over mid off to everyone until Sachin produced a Magners advert moment and brilliantly caught the ball which looked to have past him. FP’s now had a sniff of victory and were reminded that even England lost 7 wickets for 27 the previous day, and one wicket often leads to three.

Purvesh was bowling excellently and took further wickets in his next two overs bowling Dunz for a duck and having Hede LBW for 2, and suddenly Ellon were 95 – 7. The game was there to be won again, but the even more experienced batsman Mackie and still battling Montgomerie scored carefully.

FP’s were ringing the changes, Magesh bowled a couple of overs and FP’s even persuaded Fryer to come out of bowling retirement to try for the final breakthrough. The pressure was telling on both teams, a couple of chances were missed by FP’s, but with the score on 111, Sachin tempted Mackie with a full toss and held on to the return catch to dismiss the batsman. Ellon now 8 batmen out, 8 runs short, but crucially, one batsman short.

Last man in was young Iqbal who could only last two balls as Sachin ended an exciting match by bowling him for a duck, FP’s winning by 8 runs.  For Ellon, Montgomerie had batted with great patience and carried his bat with 51 n.o.

FP’s bowling Karthik 12 – 2 – 19 – 2, Melvin 5 – 0 – 14 – 0, Magesh 9 – 2 – 19 – 0, Sachin 7 – 1 – 20 – 3, Burke 3 – 0 – 16 – 0, Purvesh 8 – 1 – 14 – 3, Fryer 3 – 1 – 3 – 0

It was good to see most of the team go back to the clubhouse for a drink after the game with the 1st XI who had just avoided relegation by beating Banchory in another thriller.

FP’s 2nd XI clinched third place in Grade 3 in a game which could have gone either and looked to be going Ellon’s way at one point. That was until Sachin’s catch followed by his two wickets, a great way for him to end his short stay in Aberdeen.

Another player ending a longer stay in Aberdeen is Muthu who is moving to Singapore. He will be a great loss to FP’s as he was a key player this season, a stylish wicketkeeper, batsman and run pincher extraordinaire with a great will to win.

Man of the Match – Purvesh, top score with 44, top bowling with 3 – 14.

Champagne Moment – Sachin’s great catch which turned the match.

The experienced pair of Eagles and Clellandthen combined in a well constructed stand of 49 withboth men finding the boundary and running cleverly to ensure FPscontinued to accumulate points.  When Eagles fell for a top scoring 39, he was replaced by Khan to up the scoring rate but he fell second ball bowled by the aggressive Mason for a duck.

Captain Knudson replaced him and launched Starling for 6 to open his account and batted with purpose with Clelland in adding 36 for the 8th wicket to move FPs to 156 before he was bowled for 18.  Lord was promptly bowled for a duck and it was left to last man Stuart to help Clelland push FPspast 160 to ensure they were safe from relegation.  Clelland fell to the last ball of the innings for an excellent 25 as FPs finished 164 all out – Mason claiming 5 for 28.

FPs took to the field for the 2nd innings knowing their Grade 1 status was secure and they seemed to relax a bit too much as they were pummeled in the opening 12 overs conceding 68 runs – with Lord going for 40 in just 4 overs as Hasan smashed the ball to all parts in an inspired onslaught.  Just when things were looking bleak Moir broke through bowling Perry middle stump for 19.  Key man Hasan then fell with no more scoring superbly caught by a diving Malik at short mid off for a rapid 41 off John Eagles’ bowling.

FPs then managed to bring the scoring rate under control as Banchory added just 9 in 7 overs before Councell fell tamely caught and bowled for 3 to Eagles – 79 for 3.  Itter and Pennington came together andcombined in a stand of 43 dominated by Itter until the introduction of Stuart removed Pennington, well caught by Moir at slip for 10.  Mason replaced him andwas not convincing but hung around with Itter to move Banchory within 14 runs of victory with 6 overs left and 6 wickets standing.

However, captain Knudson had one spin of the wheel left and he hit the jackpot in selecting Malik as the 7th bowler used to spark an amazing collapse.  First he had Mason well caught by Clelland behind the stumps and next ball Eagles sprang to his left to clutch a great catch at gully to send Starling packing for a golden duck.

Itter however was still there and had played superbly for his 65 and it still seemed impossible to believe that Banchory could mess things up.  Moir was called up for one last hurrah and he had FPs sensing the impossible was possible as he removed Itter superbly caught by the back pedalling Khan at point.  There was now plenty advice on hand from the close fielders, still pondering if Banchory could really lose still needing 14 with only 2 wickets left.  J Crawley had no answer plumb LBW for a duck despite his protestations to the inspired Moir.

Last pair of Crawley and Crawley still were going for the win and it looked like it could be on again as the penultimate over from Malik went for 8.  But Zac Crawley had no answer to Moir as he was bowled by the 2nd last ball of the game for 4 as FPs picked up one of the most unlikely wins of the season.  All in all it was a great game and great credit must go to Banchory for trying to win even when under real pressure at the end.  The game was played in a great spirit and was one of the most exciting in recent years.

FPs can reflect on a good season, bucking the recent trend by surviving in Grade 1, next season will be sure to be another tough one, with Jerry Moir heading towards a richly deserved retirement.  It was fitting he should sign off with the final wicket in a great performance of 4 for 18.  He has been a magnificent servant for FPs for many years  and has always played in the correct spirit having a positive effect on both his teamates and opponents.

FPs welcomed back Paul McDonald and Chris Clelland in place of Aly MacDonald and the injured John Lord and made the best possible start as James Lord’s opening delivery of the game was guided straight to Gary Stuart at point who claimed a good catch to remove Spearman.  This brought Kapil Laghate to the crease and he looked composed from the start.  With the score on 30 he lost his partner Devadas for 16 plumb LBW to Moir.  Cults had only added 10 more when Induchandan edged a great ball from Lord to keeper Clelland.  Laghate survived a close LBW shout from Moir before Moir was replaced by Eagles and Khan replaced Lord.

Khan was straight on the mark striking first ball, bowling Ajazi for 2 attempting a smash across the line.  Eagles quickly dealt with Swanth bowling him for a duck and Cults were in deep trouble at 53 for 6 when Javed was easily caught and bowled by Khan.  This brought Krishnamoorthy to the crease and he and Lagathe shared 66 in a stand dominated by Lagathe as he passed 50 and cleverly manouvered the strike to keep his partner 0ut of harms way.  Eventually FPs did get the breakthough as Stuart ran out Krishnamoorthyfor 7 after some calm thinking off his own bowling.

Earman came in at 9 and continued to support Lagathe through to his 100 sharing 49 before he skied one to Moir for 13 off Gary Stuart’s bowling.  Moir returned and Khan caught Meghani for 3  but by now Cults were up close to 200 and after a few more blows by Lagathe they declared perhaps a little late after 44 overs on 209 for 9.  FPs let themselves down adjudged to have bowled 32 wides which greatly helped Cults’ score.

With news of Queens Cross scratching to Inverurie, FPs knew they needed to bat well to help their fight to avoid relegation.  It had been assumed that Inverurie would beat Queens Cross anyway, but it did not reflect well on a once fine club in Queens Cross scratching both fixtures on a Saturday so they could fufill a 20/20 game on the Sunday.  A team scratching in Grade 1 does not reflect well on Grades cricket and it should be of deep concern to the Grades powerbrokers.

None the less FPs started well moving to 34 in 11 overs with Morrison and Budd running well to grab quick singles and turn1s into 2s.  Just when Budd was looking well set he was out to Sreedish smashing him straight to cover to depart for 16.  Malik joined Morrison but Morrison fell 12 runs later for 15 LBW to Javed.  Malik followed 3 runs later for 4 to a similar ball, Javed picking up a 2nd LBW – FPs 49 for 3.

It was soon 52 for 6 as McDonald was bowled 2nd ball for a duck and Eagles also went for a duck, bowled by Javed.  Clelland suffered the same fate and FPs were looking down the barrel.  Knudson joined Moir to try and save the game and survived valianty for 17 overs repelling a great spell by Javed and dealing with numerous bowling changes in fine style.  A number of bowlers seemingly unaware that to be out LBW the ball requires to be hitting ths stumps enjoyed appealing at every opportunity but strong and sensible umpiring kept the game under control.  After one quadruple appeal against Moir which was heading down the legside the umpires had to ask the vociferous appealing to be turned down a level. 

Lagathe decided he had seen enough from behind the stumps and decided to have a bowl himself and delivered a rapid spell eventually removing Moir for 29 after he hit one straight up and was well caught.  As is so often the case, 1 wicket brought 2 and Knudson was removed by one that lifted from a length gloving to slip to fall for a determined 12.  This left FPs on 113 for 8 with 7 overs to survive.  Lord hung on for 4 overs but was bowled by that man Laghate again meaning last man Stuart strode to the crease intent on overseeing another last wicket escape that he has become accustomed to delivering.

Khan and he batted with great care with Khan dominating the strike and Stuart looking composed under extreme close pressure.  They safely survived with minimal fuss and few close things and gained FPs another 2 points which could be critical at the end of the season.  It was a good game that FPs could have potentially won at one stage but were thankful for Moir and Knudson and then Stuart and Khan for gaining them a draw.  Lagathe and Javed are both class acts on the field and performed very well for Cults.  FPs travel to Banchory next week knowing they still need 9 points to survive.

The wicket was damp and the outfield still wet from the previous day’s rain, and FP’s lost the toss and were asked to bat. Johnston and Fryer had to face good pace bowling on the lively wicket from S. Kumar and accurate bowling from A. Majeed. FP’s were finding runs hard to come by. It took until the fifth over before FP’s scored their first run, but in the last ball of the same over, Fryer fatally went back to a straight ball from Kumar which kept low, and was bowled.

In Kumar’s next over Muthu was also bowled for 1, FP’s score 2 – 2. New batsman Booth and Johnston attempted to recover the situation and had added 13 runs in 5 overs when Booth called skipper Johnston for a quick single. The old grades saying ‘Never judge a fielder by his track suit bottoms’ came to mind just as Johnston reached the crease shortly after the bails had been removed, thanks to a great stop and accurate throw by said fielder. Johnston run out for 8, FP’s score 15 – 3 off 12 overs. Booth’s chances of getting a bowl later were looking very slim at this stage.

This was a poor start by Grammar and it would take some recovery to make a game of it. But ex-bowler Booth and new batsman Davey set about the recovery by playing patiently, waiting for the bad ball and by some good running between the wickets, added 22 runs against testing bowling.

However just as he was looking to get after the bowling, Booth was out for 13, bowled by Bedi while attempting to sweep a full, straight delivery. FP’s 37 – 4 off 20 overs.

Ben Frizzell and Davey continued the recovery by adding 40 runs in only 10 overs both batsmen driving the ball well into gaps mainly through the offside, also aided by good running.  But Frizzell was bowled by Majeed in the first over of his second spell while attempting a leaden footed drive, Frizzell scoring 9 runs while Davey faced/pinched the bulk of the bowling, FP’s 77 – 5 in 30 overs.

Nick Blyth got off the mark first ball with a well timed turn to the legside, fortunately the square leg fielder was a bit slow to react to the catch which Blyth had just sent his way.

Davey was driving and cutting the ball powerfully at every opportunity, once again not getting full value for shots through the damp, thick outfield. He had looked set for another major score when he was out driving a fraction early at Majeed, giving the bowler a simple caught and bowled, Davey scoring 45 ( 2 x 4), FP’s 94 – 6 off 33.2 overs.

Soon after Karthik was also bowled by Majeed after scoring 5 runs, FP’s 110 – 7, but by now FP’s were putting together a reasonable score considering the opening 10 overs.

Blyth was playing his best innings of the season, scoring quickly, hitting 4 x 4’s in the process, but he made a bloomer bigger than the Bridgett Jones’s he wears to bat in, when he was out caught off Majeed for 29 (4 x 4), FP’s total 135 – 8.

Rizwan had also got off the mark first ball, a fine turn off leg stump, but was run out going for another quick single which this time was not really there and was out for 7, FP’s score 137 – 9. The score was given a needed boost by a great 10^th wicket partnership with Kieran Whyte and Magesh adding 31 runs in only 4 overs. Whyte got off the mark hitting a slower ball from opening bowler Kumar for 6, and managed another huge 6, this time off Bedi, over midwicket. Magesh and Whyte also showed good running between the wickets frustrating the Academy fielders on several occasions.

Grammar reached a total of 168 – 9 off 46 overs, Whyte 22 n.o Magesh 6 n.o. mainly thanks to a great recovery by the mid-lower order batsmen against second in the league Academy. It was also good to hear the batsmen receiving loud encouragement from their watching team mates.

The first proper sit down tea of the season in the pavilion followed, beautifully served up by the FP’s 2^nd XI C.C. (Catering Company – now available for private functions).

But before the Academy innings commenced, an important team huddle was called, where, amongst other things, the player who had not paid his match fee was named and shamed. His identity will remain in the huddle, but this ‘outing’ is now know as being Frizzled.

Grammar opened the bowling with Magesh from the Cromwell Road end, and Whyte from the Pavillon End. Academy batsman S. Bedi was in aggressive mood and wasted no time in going for his shots, and after only 5 overs Academy were 36 – 0. However a change of bowler brought a change of luck when Karthik cleverly bowled a full length leg stump delivery at a charging Bedi, out for 36 (2 x 6, 2 x 4).

Whyte had bowled 8 accurate overs for only 17 runs, and was replaced by Rizwan who took a wicket in his opening over when he bowled opener Majeed with a great inswinging delivery, Academy 59 – 2. Unfortunately Rizwan aggravated a shoulder injury and was unable to bowl after only three overs.

The run rate had dropped dramatically and the pressure paid when mid wicket Davey smartly picked up and returned the ball to keeper Muthu.  Fortunately Muthu just managed to leap up and catch at full stretch the previously well practiced return from Davey and Kanish was run out for 5, Academy 62 – 3, off 20 overs.

New batsman Jagpall immediately started a counter attack and hit 2 x 6 in one over. Following his persistent hinting by bowling the ball at his skipper during the entire 23 overs FP’s had fielded, Davey was finally given a bowl, and he struck in his third over by bowling Richard for 10, Academy 96 – 4.

Next over Magesh, returning for his second spell, bowled dangerman Jagpal for 16, and FP’s were now favourites to win the match.

Academy had added only 3 more runs when Naeem, having survived two very confident caught behind appeals, was brilliantly caught one handed down the leg side by the ever alert Muthu off bat and pad for 1, Academy now 99 – 6  in the 35^th over.

Academy keeper hit the next two balls for 4 and 2, but then pulled the next ball straight to Karthik on the mid wicket boundary who judged the catch perfectly, and Academy were 105 – 7 off 35 overs, leaving then 62 runs to score off 9 overs.

Next over Whyte returned and had Senthil plumb LBW for a duck, Academy 107 – 8, and FP’s thought they had struck again soon after when Whyte took a catch at point, but unfortunately off a no ball by Magesh. Soon after Karthik made a great effort to hang on to a catch at mid wicket as FP’s pushed for the win. Academy skipper Derrett batted well taking singles off the last balls of the over on several occasions to frustrate FP’s attempt to bowl at the tail end. Whyte was bowling without luck as both batsmen played and missed regularly. The eighth wicket pair of Derrett and Chaitu survived nine overs as Academy hung on for a draw and in the process probably ensured promotion to Grade 2, final score 118 – 8 off 44 overs.

All the FP’s bowlers took wickets, and all bowled well. Whyte and Karthik had to work hard to get lift from the dried out wicket, but both managed to hurry the batsmen up at times. Rizwan took his customary early wicket before injury ended his spell. Magesh came back well after some early punishment and now has 27 wickets this season. Davey looked promising and would be interesting to face on a grass wicket. Magesh 12 – 3 – 42 – 3, Whyte 12 – 3 – 20 – 1, Karthik 10 – 1 – 23 – 1, Rizwan 3 – 1 – 15 – 1, Davey 7 – 2 – 13 – 1.

This was the first draw of the season for FP’s and an excellent comeback considering after 12 overs the score was 16 – 3, and in the end Grammar were unlucky not to force the win which would have brought them back into the promotion race.

Man of the Match – John Davey, top scorer, involved in run out, took a wicket, and helped the excellent Muthu showcase his keeping skills to the full.

Champagne Moment – Muthu’s great one handed catch.

Moir replaced Budd and he and Lord shared a watchful and match winning stand of 55, dominated by Lord, who hit a 2nd six and a five fours to pass 50.  As FPs looked to push on Moir was the 1st of four run outs, unable to get back for 2 to be run out for 18.  Lord soon followed, well caught on the boundary by Anchan for 65.  Aly MacDonald replaced him and smashed his 2nd ball for 6 but was out next ball, LBW to one that may have sneaked past the leg stump – 131 for 5 in 40 overs.

With just 6 overs left, Malik and Eagles combined in an entertaining 18 run stand, both men finding the boundary before Eagles (18) was run out after a mix up.  Malik (9) joined the run out club after a comical mix up with Khan and Khan got in on the fun run out for 6 as Inverurie continued to ground field superbly.  Lord was the 9th out for 1 bowled for Jessiman off the final ball of the innings as FPs closed on 159 for 9.  Given the tough pitch it was a very useful score, as long as FPs could safely defend the short boundaries.

They got the perfect start as Lord’s 2nd ball, which was a bit of a loosener was crashed straight to MacDonald at cover who gather in a good catch at the 2nd attempt – Inverurie 0 for 1.  Lord the struggled to find his normal accurate line and length and was hit for 3 fours and a six by the dangerous Coutts.  ironically these were to be Inverurie’s only boundaries.  Stand in keeper Morrison failed to take a low chance of Moir and then Knudson dropped a very tough caught and bowled off his only over.  After the one over delay while Khan was off the field he did take up the attack in tandem with Eagles and bowled a number of sharply turning deliveries. 

But it was Eagles who broke through Randell adjudged LBW to Eagles for 18 in what must have been a tight call.  Next ball MacDonald could not cling on diving forward to Huxtable’s mis controlled shot.  Shortly after the key wicket of Coutts was taken as one of Khan’s very few loose deliveries, a half tracker was top edged out to Aly MacDonald on the boundary to take an excellently judged catch – Coutts out for 2p and Inverurie 53 for 3.  Eagles soon dispatched Huxtable bowled behind his legs for 2.  Catching machine MacDonald then bagged a brilliant reaction catch at cover as Murison fell for 5 off the bowling of Eagles.

His replacement Ewen was determined to play shots and after 1 huge charge Morrison appealed even more keenly than usual convined Ewen was out stumped but the square leg umpire did not agree.  Khan however struck soon after at the other end bowling Achan with a big spinner 69 for 6 in 30 overs.

FPs were really in the driving seat now and needed 4 wickets in the final 14 overs and Eagles bagged his 4th clean bowling Anderson with one which turned sharply. Eagles and Khan completed magnificent spells of 12-2-22-4 and 12-5-15-2 respectively and Gary Stuart took up the attack.  His 2nd ball produced a wicket as a high no ball was not collected cleanly by Morrison but he quickly gathered it in and threw from the ground on the advise of the quick thinking MacDonald up to the bowler Stuart who calmly collected and ran out Morrison who had charged up the pitch looking to pinch a single.

Veterans Ewen and Jesiman had their eyes still on a draw but Stuart struck in his 2nd over, Knudson claiming a fantastic catch above his head on the run – a real collectors item!  Moir was recalled and he took just 3 balls to pin back last man Moore’s off stump for 1 as FPs celebrated a vital win and Inverurie crumbled to 85 all out from 39.3 overs.

It means FPs have some breathing space in the fight for survival and if they can play to their ability in the next two games they should manage to beat the drop.  If Inverurie do go down, it will be a loss to Grade 1 as all 3 games between the sides this season have  been played in a great spirit and both sides have enjoyed a beer after the matches and this is a great example of how Grades cricket should be played.  Next week a tough text versus Cults awaits.

FPs compiled a painstaking 102 for 9 in 46 overs, mainly thanks to Jerry Moir’s excellent 36. John Lord weighed in with a cautious 21 and Whyte and Stuart added useful runs for the final wicket on what was a challenging surface. However, some excellent batting from Kieran Findlay who made 28 not out had Queens Cross well placed on 45 for 1 to claim their first victory of the season until the rain arrived. Jerry Moir claimed the wicket, Whyte taking a skier in the gully to remove Russell for 4.

Next week will be a key game at Inverurie and FPs will be keen to add some impetus to their batting as they look to put Inverurie under pressure.

Methlick had been slipping into the relegation zone and were desperate for points, while FP’s were in third place, just a few points behind the leaders. FP’s lost the toss and were asked to bat on a dry, cracked wicket. A brief shower of rain after the toss delayed the start for a few minutes, but the sunshine returned making a perfect day for cricket at a great setting for cricket.

Methlick opened the bowling with former FP player Steven Murphy who found some swing in the humid conditions. Batsmen Johnston and Fryer were taking no chances against the accurate bowling of Murphy and Buchan, but in the sixth over Buchan got some unexpected lift off a good line and length and Fryer had no time to react and lobbed the ball to cover where a simple catch was taken by Murphy, FP’s score 14 – 1, Fryer out for 5.

New batsman Frizzell was given a difficult time by Murphy, but survived and played some good drives as FP’s score consolidated. Johnston and Frizzell had added 21 runs when Buchan again got some unexpected lift and Johnston could only cut the ball tamely to point where an easy catch was taken, FP’s score 35 – 2 off 12 overs, Johnston out for 11 (1 x 4) Blyth got off the mark first ball, but with the last ball of Buchan’s over Frizzell was bowled for 15 (2 x 4), FP’s score 36 – 3.

Blyth hit eight runs off new bowler Carr’s second over, and Dunecht captain Kennedy came on to replace Buchan. Kennedy’s first ball had the Methlick fielders behind the wicket excited, but his next ball was an accidental beamer which hit new batsman Muthu a painful blow in the chest. With the last ball of the over he bowled a full toss which was hit straight back at Kennedy and Muthu was out caught and bowled without scoring, FP’s 45 – 4 off 16 overs.

Blyth was playing with restraint, but Carr finally tempted the batsman to drive at a wide ball and Kennedy took a well judged catch at cover off a skier, Blyth scoring 13 (1 x 4), FP’s 53 – 5. Karthik and Goodenough steadied the FP’s ship with a stand of 21 before Goodenough was bowled by Kennedy for 4, FP’s score 74 – 6 off 24 overs.

Murphy was brought back on to bowl and took a wicket with his third ball when Karthik was unluckily bowled when he turned a leg side delivery onto his pad and unfortunately onto his stumps. Karthik had been batting well and was realistically FP’s last chance of mounting a decent score, his 17 (3 x 4) ending up FP’s top score, FP’s 74 – 7.

Next ball Murphy pinned new batsman Magesh in front of his stumps for a duck, but Joy managed to avert the hat trick by calmly leaving the next ball well alone. The FP’s collapse continued next over as Houghton was bowled through the gate by Kennedy for a duck, FP’s 74 – 9. Joy and debutant Inamdar added three singles before a mix up between the batsmen resulted in Inamdar being run out by a direct hit without scoring, Joy ending 3 not out. FP’s total 79 all out in 28.2 overs.

This was the second game in a row where FP’s batting collapsed badly against good bowling, this week  in conditions helpful to swing bowling. Kennedy was the most successful bowler with 3 – 12 off 7 overs. Several batsmen got started but could not stay in long enough to make a potential match winning contribution.

Following the tea interval, served with good strong coffee, FP’s went back out knowing from past painful experience that to have any hope of winning the game they had to dismiss Methlick skipper Kennedy quickly. Karthik bowled the first over, an encouraging maiden to I. Kennedy, and new man Joy was given the chance to bowl at dangerman Stewart Kennedy.  The hoped for chance to dismiss Kennedy came in the first over when he drove a ball straight to Johnston at cover who could not quite get both hands under a low drive, and the chance was missed. Joy was again unlucky last ball of the over when Kennedy sliced a drive over slips for a single. Although it was only the second over of the innings, FP’s worse fears were realised next over when Kennedy hit his first four, and, ominously, his first effortless six.

From then on it was a question of how quickly Kennedy could finish the match as he struck sixes almost at will. He had scored 73 out of 77 runs (8 x 6, 4 x 4) and just as it was looking that the only way to stop Kennedy would have to come from the grassy knoll, Magesh bowled him with a beauty and the carnage was over. Murphy put Grammar out of their misery hitting a boundary, leaving opener I. Kennedy 3 not out. Methlick 82 – 1 off 12 overs, Magesh bowling 3-1-7-1.

Grammar lost the match by not scoring nearly enough runs and could only watch in frustration as Kennedy turned the match into a 20/20 style run chase with a great display of clean, powerful hitting.

Man of the Match – Eight sixes, four fours, three wickets, two catches, one ball in the river, no guesses.

Champagne Moment -  Magesh getting him out.

FPs lost the toss and were asked to bat.  They made 3 changes to their team with Moir, Eagles and Stuart returned to greatly bolster the bowling attack.  FPs having promoted Morrison to open with Lord made positive progress with Morrison twice finding the boundary before falling LBW sweeping Asan for 18 as FPs reached 29 for 1 in the 10th over.  Clelland joined Lord and they proceeded at around the same rate moving the score to 57 before Cleland top edged Asan to Gray to depart for 8.

Lord who had bizarrely not been allowed to retire hurt by the Mannofield captain battled on and was joined by Moir and they added 14 before Lord was caught by Gray at point as Asan claimed his 3rd wicket.  Eagles could not get going as was stumped for a duck off legspinner Byrne – 73 for 4 in 27 overs.  Moir was joined by Paul McDonald and they combined in an exciting stand of 37 dominated by 26 from the big hitting McDonald. Shortly after Moir had smashed a window in the pavillion with a monsterous six, McDonald upped the ante by thumping Rana right over the pavillion and half way up Harlaw road in the one of the biggest hits seen at Rubislaw in many years.

Unfortunately he was bowled off his pads moments later and was replaced by skipper Knudson who made a quickfire 11 before being bowled by Rana.  Malik came in and played aggresively making 15 before he to was bowled by Rana.  Moir was then bowled by a shooter from Asan for an excellent 41 before a late assault by Khan carried FPs to 171 for 8.  Unfortunately Asan was injured from the last ball letting a caught and bowled through his hands and splitting his chin and had to head to hospital for stitches.

After tea Mannofield began their chase are were soon 1 down as Lawson was plumb LBW for a duck to Moir, he thought he has Ayaz in the same manner 2 balls later but the umpire turned down the appeal.  Rana and Ayaz combined to add 34 before Moir did get Ayaz LBW for 15, although it looked a little high. Gamolen replaced him and hit a few good shots before offering a simple chance to John Lord at mid off who calmy pouched the catch.

Eagles quickly removed skipper Johnstone heaving across the line to depart for a duck and Lord looked like being the catching king again moments later but having made good ground to a miscue from Van Oorschot he could not hang on to it, but he quickly made amends bagging dangerman Rana next ball off Eagles’ bowling.  Mannofield 65 for 5 from 19 overs.  It took until the 26th over for FPs to strike again, skipper Knudson bowling Van oorschot for 11 with a quicker delivery.  Javed and Gray then frustrated FPs for 9 overs with the patched up Javed being put down a tough chance by Sam Knudson at slip and then Malik shelling him at point.  The returning Moir however took just 5 balls to find the breakthrough, ripping out off stump, bowling Javed for 9.

FPs continued to try different combinations and Khan came up trumps bowling Niven with his 2nd ball for a duck as Mannofield’s 8th wicket went down.  Moir then removed the battling Gray for 29 edging behind to Clelland to take a simple chance as Mannofield regressed to 119 for 9.  This left FPs 5 overs to claim the final wicket and Moir and Khan tried everything, McDonald nearly claiming a stunning short leg catch in the dying moments.  But Byrne and 14 year old Marttin stood firm batting with great purpose as the match concluded as a draw.

It had been an exciting contest with Mannofield only shutting up shop at the end and battling hard to secure the draw.  FPs will have been buoyed by Inverurie’s heavy defeat which allowed them out of the bottom two for the first time in 8 matches, but in order to stay there FPs will need 4 more performances at this level.  Next week is a local derby at Queens Cross which is always a tightly contested game.

St Ronald were looking to finish the game off quickly, but good accurate bowling from Magesh and Karthik kept things tight, and in only the fourth over Karthik bowled S.Rao with a good in-swinging delivery, St Ronald 11 – 1. Opener K Imran was batting calmly and hitting the occasional bad ball to the boundary, and new batsman, St Ronald skipper Bhatti survived a good spell from Magesh 6 – 2 – 14 – 0, and Karthik 8 – 1 – 26 – 1, who beat the bat on several occasions.
Rizwan replaced Magesh and bowled accurately, but without luck as an edge flew just over first slip, Rizwan bowling 3 – 0 – 9 – 0
New FP’s players Shah and Joy were given the chance to clinch a place in next weeks team by taking 9 quick wickets, but unfortunately the batsmen were well set. However both bowlers did take their first wickets for FP’s, Joy (3 – 0 – 24 – 2) having top scorer Imran caught by keeper Muthu off a mistimed pull for 44 (9 x 4), and then bowling Neeray for 5. Shah was getting good turn and took his first wicket when Blyth held on to an awkward catch at mid wicket off Bhatti for 26 (5 x 4). St Ronald batsman V. Sood then finished the game with a six, final score 87 – 4.

St Ronald deserved their victory and remain odds on favourites to win Grade 3. Grammar bowled well but without that little bit of luck which would have made the game a bit more interesting. The fielding was keen with Joy and Fryer the stand outs.

Man of the Match – Nick Blyth, top scorer, held his catch well.

Champagne Moment – Not much to celebrate.

The day started well for FPs with Knudson winning the toss.  Moir and Eagles were unavailable so Whyte and Fraser were promoted from 2nds and Inkson was drafted in as he was in Aberrdeen on holiday.

FPs made a good start, Whyte striking in the 6th over as McDonald claimed a smart chance in the gully to remove Davies for 9.  However, FPs would have to wait until the 35th over to claim a 2nd scalp as Barrett and White combined in a 172 run stand easily dealing with what the FPs bowlers could throw at them.  Barrett raced to his century striking 14 fours and 3 sixes and was well supported by White who made a cautious 53 before Roland Knudson eventually bowled him.

This led to a late clatter of wickets as after a few lusty blows by Watson he was well caught on the boundary by Whyte of Knudson and moments later Harry Wolridge-Gordon was clean bowled by Whyte.  Morrison then made partial amends for dropping Barrett 10 runs earlier running him out with a direct hit from cover as Ellon declared in 40 overs at 220 for 5.

Fps needed some solid batting but lost skipper within 2 balls bowled by Wade for 1.  Malik and Lord looked less than solid for 14 overs struggling up to 20 before Malik was excellently stumped by Davies off Wade’s bowling.  Clelland ground out 4 in 23 balls before being well caught by Barrett off Harry Wolridge-Gordon – 25 for 3 in 22 overs.  Lord was then run out in comical circumstances for 15 after a mix up with McDonald, before Khan flicked a leg side delivery straight to Arora at square leg to depart for a duck.

Sam Knudson was soon out for 5 to Greenfield before Morrison was run out having been sent back by McDonald trying to take a tight single after Barrett had dropped a simple catch.  Greenfield then wrapped things up with a hat trick as he bowled Fraser and Whyte before Inkson drove straight to mid off as FPs were bowled out for 60, McDonald left 18 not out.

FPs know that they need to improve and if they could find a couple of wins from somewhere, they could still escape, but it will need some huge improvement in the next few weeks.