FPs had lined up with 4 changes from the winning team from last week with Sam Knudson, James Lord, Aly MacDonald and Kieran Whyte returning.

James Lord took the new ball with Jerry Moir and after a tight opening spell, Lord struck to bowl Walker for 2.  Moments later he also clean bowled McRitchie who had not settled at all and fell for a duck.  Lord’s opening spell of 6 overs were accurate costing just 16 and his replacement Sam Knudson was also on the mark, striking twice in his 3rd over, first bowling Flett for 8 before having Stuart take a smart catch at point to remove Viegay for 2.

Stuart replaced the super economical Moir and after being hit for six first ball, he settled into his work and clean bowled Goking for 5.  Kintore then managed to keep FPs at bay for a long spell before Stuart clean bowled Cowie for a duck before retiring Davidson hurt first ball.

He was joined by Eagles in the attack and after 4 probing overs, Eagles struck twice, first to remove the opener Thomas for a well played 31, stumped by yards by wicketkeeper Morrison and then having Ross caught for a duck by Stuart at silly point.

Stuart picked up a 3rd wicket bowling Parry for a duck and MacDonald finished things off bowling Ramsay for a duck with his 4th ball.

A score of 63 all out in 34.4 overs was well below par and was due to a strong bowling and fielding performance but also due to Kintore’s hugely depleted squad.  Bowling figures were Lord 6-0-16-2, Moir 9-5-6-0, Sam Knudson 6-2-14-2, Stuart 8-3-19-3, Eagles 5-18-2 and MacDonald 0.4-0-0-1.

With the rain falling steadily FPs began their innings but after 14 balls the players left the field at 6 for no loss and with weather showing no signs of improvement, there was no choice but to call the game off as void.

FPs now turn their attention to the double header at Crathie in the league and cup next week, which are likely to present the toughest tests to date this season.

Dickie fresh from an unbeaten 96 in last week’s Artisan’s abandonment started positively looking to attack anything wide, but after edging one over the slips for four, Miller took a sharp return catch to leave Artisans on 7 for 1.  Munro joined the wall like Chisholm and went on the attack from ball one, cover driving Miller for 4 and attacking anything in his half to race onto 14.  However, with the score on 25, his miscued a full toss from Miller and Morrison dived forward at cover to claim a good catch.

Miller, despite claiming 2 for 19 in 4 overs, was clearly struggling with his shoulder and he had to give way to Stuart.  After opening with a big wide, Stuart soon found his line and length, and kept Yadav quiet. After becoming frustrated at being unable to get off the mark, he then had a huge mow at Stuart and was bowled off stump for a duck.

Things got worse for Artisans as Charan took off for a quick single, only to be sent back and run out by a fine throw from Budd for a duck.  Eagles joined the attack and struck almost immediately having Khan adjudged LBW for a duck, in his next over he then pinned Thomson plumb LBW for a duck as Artisans slumped to 52 for 6.

Robertson joined opener Chisholm and played some lusty shots as the score was lifted to 80 but tried one big shot too many to be bowled by Eagles for 18.  Irvine took a similar approach to Robertson, hitting 3 fours in a brisk 17 before he was easily stumped by Clelland off Eagles.  C Robertson next took up the attack but having hit Eagles for 6, he tried to repeat the feat and was bowled for 10.

Last man Joyce joined the oburate Chisholm and played some fine shots hitting Moir for 2 fours, however with the score on 130, he set off for a tight single to be sent back by Chisholm and he could not beat Eagles direct hit from mid wicket to be run out by 15.

Once again FPs had failed to remove Chisholm as he batted 45 overs for 25 not out, but they did well to take the other 10 wickets to leave Artisans with a sub par total.  Eagles was the bowling hero with 12 overs 5 for 26 with 2 maidens but he was well supported by Miller 1-0-19-2, Moir 10-3-25-0, Stuart 12-2-35-1 and Knudson 6.2-0-8-0.

Lord and Budd set off at a good pace chasing the 131 target, with Lord looking in particularly good form, dominating an opening partnership of 44 with Budd, hitting 4 fours in a 47 ball stay for 24, before being bowled by Naidu.  Clelland joined Budd and they played some good cricket turning 1s into 2s and grabbing quick singles in an entertaining stand of 49 before Thomson had Budd LBW for 29.

Moir joined Clelland and looked to attack driving elegantly for 4 twice as the score moved to 105.  However, Clelland was adjudged LBW for 10 off Irvine despite some indication he had hit the ball into his pads.  When Moir fell moments later for 10, caught by Yadav off Irvine, FPs were wobbling at 111 for 4.  However, some no nonsense hitting by Miller ensured victory was quickly attained with Frizzell offering support at the other end.

FPs cause was greatly helped as once again extras top scored, amazingly this time with 49 including 25 byes.

It was another solid performance, and FPs will be looking to extend their winning run when 2nd Kintore visit next week.

FPs lined up with a stong eleven comprising John Lord, Budd, debutant Kieran Whyte, Frizzell, Moir, MacDonald, Morrison, Eagles, Knudson, James Lord and Miller.

Captain Knudson called correctly at the toss and invited Fraserburgh to bat.  It took only until the 4th over for FPs to strike with James Lord having Watson caught for a duck at point by Whyte.  Miller soon made it 10 for 2 as he had dangerman Corey Bowie caught at mid on by Whyte badly miscuing a hook.

Ironside and L Bowie then consolidated raising the score to 35 before the former feathered a catch down the legside to keeper Morrison to take a simple catch.  At 35 for 3 Fraserburgh were in some trouble but within 8 overs they were dead and buried at 38 for 8.

Firstly, Flowerdew gave a simple caught and bowled to Miller and with Eagles introduced to the attack  Bowie was caught behind by Morrison for a duck.  Amin could only manage one, tamely offering Moir a return catch and Souter also picked up a duck edging an easy chance to Morrison.  Two balls later Eagles out foxed Barnett, comfortably stumped by Morrison for a duck.

Fraserburgh through Gospel and Lawrence did mange to pick up a point with a useful stand of 20 at which point skipper Knudson replaced Moir and instantly had Gospel caught for 13 by Whyte.  Eagles dealt with Rennie with Morrison claiming another catch as Fraserburgh were bowled out for 59.

All the bowlers were in good form with Lord bowling tidily at the start 6-2-12-1, Miller looking quick and dangerous with 12-2-19-3 Moir only conceeding 4 scoring shots in his 12 -8-10-2, Eagles as wily as ever with 7.5-4-16-3 and Knudson bowling 1 wicket maiden over.

On a pitch with movement FPS had to play sensibly and after a cautious start, they lost Lord for a duck, well caught by Ironside with the score on 15.  MacDonald was promoted up the order and added 14 with Budd before he was bowled by Rennie for 12. 

With rain falling Whyte looked to push for the victory and launched his 3rd ball for six over square leg, however he soon also perished bowled by Rennie for 8.  Frizzell came in at 5 and quickly ensured vistory was secured cutting Lawrence over point for 6 as he made 12 not out from 10 balls faced.  At the other end Budd batted right through for 13 not out from 49 balls.

Overall it was a good start to the season with a good bowling and fielding display.  However, next week will prove a sterner test as FPs face Artisans who they lost to twice last season and drew once.  No doubt Hamish Chisholm will again be looking to keep up his extraordinary record v FPS.

There were two changes to the team, out through injury went James Lord, and Edinburgh based Pradeep was spared the trip to Aberdeen as in came Rory Annand, and due to make his debut was Kevin Warner. Unfortunately Warner was a very, very late call off, and had it not been for a B&Q non-delivery of a fence for Geoff Morrison, we would have been one man short.

As it was Tom Murray was delayed at work, and Karthik and Rizwan were due to leave early, but the problem of deciding whether to bat or bowl first with two men short was removed when FPs lost the toss and Stoneywood-Dyce decided to bat.

Nine man Grammar opened the bowling with in form Karthik and much improved Mike Phillips. It was Phillips who took the first wicket in his first over when the dangerous Moir was very well caught by Annand at deep point. For the next 10 overs the opening bowlers bowled fast and accurately, well backed up by some excellent fielding, despite a surprisingly lumpy outfield which took a couple of out-fielders by surprise. Closer to the wicket, Morrison in particular was outstanding.

With the score on 40 after 12 overs, Phillips was rested after an excellent spell of 6 – 2 – 25 – 1. Magesh was brought on and in his third over bowled Cohen for 18, score 45 – 2.

Meanwhile at the other end Karthik was bowling with great accuracy, but little luck, and finished his opening spell with 9 – 4 – 15 – 0, a great effort.

Rizwan replaced Karthik and took a wicket in his second over when McPherson was bowled for 18 runs by the perfect yorker, S-D score 57 – 3.

Murray was a late arrival for FPs, but soon made a big impact when sharp fielding and a fast return, which was excellently collected by keeper Mike Lloyd, had Maxfield run out for 10, S-D score 72 – 4.

Magesh was bowling as accurately as Karthik had done, his first seven overs going for a miserly 8 runs. The pressure paid off when Alexander was caught and bowled by Magesh for 18, S-D score 86 – 5. Grammar were hoping to finish off S-D quickly, but Tindall and Holt added an excellent 48 runs with Tindall playing especially well off the back foot through the covers, and off his legs.

Magesh maintained his accurate spell, finishing his 12 overs of pace and spin with 12 – 2 – 26 – 2, some effort considering 12 runs came off 2 overs.

Rizwan finished his opening spell with 9 – 2 – 44 – 1, and Karthik and Phillips came back on to bowl as S-D attempted to score runs quickly. With the score on 137, Tindall was bowled by Phillips for 33.

Next over another great piece of fielding by Murray had Holt run out for 14. Grammar were looking for maximum bowling points, but Urquhart and Rayner rode their luck and added 24 valuable runs as S-D completed their 46 overs scoring 159 – 7.

Magesh and Karthik had bowled 24 overs, and conceded a mere 52 runs, taking 2 wickets, outstanding figures. Phillips bowled 11 overs, his most in a match this season, 11 – 2 – 39 – 2, and showed great promise for the future. Rizwan was unlucky to be bowling at Tindall when he was going for his shots, and bowled 11 – 2 – 61 – 1.

Considering FPs had only four bowlers playing, and fielded for a good spell with at least one fielder missing, this was an excellent performance.

However, there was one disappointing incident at the end of the S-D innings when experienced FPs player Morrison, having much earlier shown dissent to an umpire for an unsuccessful run out appeal, then questioned the umpire about the decision as they were leaving the pitch. The umpire was not in the least impressed at this behavior, but accepted the player’s apology. There is no point in us complaining about other team’s ill discipline when we behave in the same way, and it was a poor example to the youngsters playing.

Grammar opened the batting with our two most consistant batsmen Rob Fryer and Karthik. The openers gave FPs the perfect start with a stand of 33 in only six overs before Karthik was excellently held at slip one handed by Moir of Urquhart for 15 runs. Rizwan and Fryer had added 22 runs when Rizwan was bowled by Tindall for 6 runs.

Johnston got off the mark with a drive through the covers off Moir, but soon after pulled a groin muscle. He batted on while waiting for a runner to get padded up and managed to pull Tindall for another four, but while still waiting for runner Houghton, was out caught at mid on off a tame drive. It was a brave shot given the circumstances, but summed up a disappointing season for the skipper which included 7 ducks.

Fryer was scoring with class shots all round the wicket, and Phillips had hit two lovely fours when he was out for 11, caught out to a shot he won’t be repeating this season and better not next season, FPs score 98 – 4.

Worse was to follow when Fryer, who was looking set for a fifty was caught by a tumbling catch by mid on off slow bowler Moir for 45 (4 x 4s), FPs score 99 – 5 off 25 overs. This left FPs to score 61 runs in 19 overs, a reasonable target given the batting strength in depth.

Tom Murray and Magesh had scored 16 runs in 5 overs when Magesh was out caught of Scottish international bowler Urquhart (Fiona!) for 6 runs, and very next over Murray was out stumped while giving Moir the charge. Murray should be charged with reckless driving for that accident.

The pressure was now on, but experienced batsmen Geoff Morrison and Rory Annand calmly and sensibly took control of the situation. Morrison drove Urquhart for a violent straight four, and Annand played a couple of text book sweep shots for four to keep the FPs ahead of the run rate. They also took some excellent sharp singles to keep the score moving and S-D were obviously rattled by the quick running.

But with only 5 runs required, Annand uncharacteristically chased a wide ball, and was well caught by Moir above his head at wide first slip for 13 runs. S-D were right back in with a shout as tension mounted, but Morrison and Mike Lloyd were unfazed by the situation, and scored the winning run off the first ball of the last over.

Grammar final score 160 – 8 wickets, Morrison scoring an excellent not out 22 and Lloyd not out 3.

This was the third victory in four matches for FPs, and took us off bottom place in Grade 3. It was a good team performance, everyone taking wickets, fielding well or scoring runs. Our fielding was complimented by the opposition, and probably was the difference between the teams.

Man of the Match: Rob Fryer, his batting set us up for victory, fielded well and is a fan of Sir Geoffrey Boycott.

Champagne Moment: Winning and finally getting off bottom place.

Sam Knudson was unavailable due to rugby friendlies, not relegation battles, just friendlies. But to replace him in the team from the firsts came all rounder James Lord. To ensure we had eleven this week, we had to send for one of our Edinburgh squad members, Pradeep.

After a week of rain the outfield was longer than usual, but not as soft as expected. Banchory arrived with more supporters than we have had team members on occasion, obviously word had got out about our recent form!

Grammar lost the toss and were asked to bat. Rob Fryer and skipper Johnston opened the batting against Banchory captain Pennington and Dickensen. Fryer smacked the first ball for four, the perfect start. Unfortunately tight bowling and the long grass meant that was the last boundary for 12 overs, during which time Johnston was bowled without troubling the scorers, probably ruining his chances of topping the averages.

James Lord and Fryer found piercing the field hard going, excellent shots stopping short of the boundary, but they brought up the fifty in the 17th over.

Lord had just hit Perry for four when he was out for 19. Karthik started carefully as Banchory continued to bowl and field tightly.

With the score on 57, Fryer was out for 39 (3 x 4s). Tom Murray joined Karthik but was soon bowled by Perry, FPs score 73 – 4. Mike Lloyd and Karthik added 17 before Karthik was out bowled by Pennington for a well constructed 23, score 91 – 5 off 34 overs. Soon after Lloyd, having survived a couple of close LBW shouts, was bowled by youngster Crawley for 5.

Following his heroics last week, Magesh was promoted up the order, and immediately looked in the mood again, hitting Wilkinson for a four and a two. Unfortunately next ball he fatally went back to and was out LBW for 8. Rizwan was next man in and had scored three when he drove a wide ball back at Wilkinson and was caught and bowled. At 116 – 8, the Grammar score looked 30 – 40 runs short of a winning total, but Mike Phillips and Harry Houghton batted excellently adding 20 quick runs with a mixture of good shots and much improved running between the wickets. Phillips was eventually out for 23 (2 x 4s). Houghton and last man Pradeep put on 10 valuable runs, including a unique periscope shot from Houghton while ducking under a short ball. Unfortunately, soon after resurfacing, Houghton was bowled for 8, leaving Pradeep 3 n.o.

Grammar total 146 all out in 45.3 overs. This was a decent score against one of the tightest bowling sides in Grade 3, but only four Grammar batsmen got into double figures.

Following hopefully our last al fresco tea interval, Grammar opened the bowling with in-form Karthik from the Cromwell Road end. With his second ball, he had Campbell out LBW for 0, a vital wicket as Campbell had scored a fifty earlier in the season against FPs. James Lord was bowling into the wind from the Pavillion End, but did not settle and Magesh replaced him after three overs. Banchory had scored 24 – 1 in 6 overs when Karthik bowled Redpath for 9.

The bowling from both ends was tight, and Banchory had reached 52 off 17 overs when Perry was brilliantly caught by keeper Lloyd down the leg side off his gloves.

Pennington and Wilkinson had put on 22 runs batting well against accurate bowling from Lord (9 – 0 – 26 – 0) and Magesh, when Magesh, cleverly deciding to reverting to bowling off breaks, had dangerman Pennington well caught by Lord for 30, Banchory score 74 – 4 after 21 overs.

This left Banchory to score a further 73 off 23 overs with 6 wickets left, but aided by FPs being reduced to 10 men when top fielder Murray had to leave early.

Wilkinson and Hicks batted with caution, but hit the occasional bad ball to the boundary, adding 36 in 12 overs.

Phillips came on to replace Magesh who bowled 12 – 0 – 45 – 2, and immediately looked like taking a wicket with every ball. His new found consistent line, length and pace was rewarded when he bowled Crawley for 9. At the other end, Rizwan was bowling well but without luck as a couple of chances were missed.

Karthik replaced Rizwan and it took him all of three balls this time to take a wicket, having key man Wilkinson well caught by Lloyd at short cover with three fielders converging on the ball, a nervous “Naeem” moment for the Grammar supporters.

Four runs later, Phillips, bowling his best spell for Grammar, bowled Rowett for a duck, score 127 – 7 off 39.2 overs, leaving Banchory 20 runs short with 5 overs remaining. Unfortunately for Grammar, a couple of chances and a possible run out were missed as Banchory went for the runs. Phillips had bowled 5 – 0 – 12 – 2 when Dickensen hit a 6 to tie the scores. In the next over Hicks scored the winning run, and Banchory had beaten Grammar by 3 wickets with two overs remaining. Banchory scored 147 – 7 in 42.4 overs.

This was a great game played of cricket, played in a good atmosphere throughout. Although now relegated to Grade 4, Grammar can take great encouragement from their last three performances, beating Dunecht and table toppers Turriff away and pushing promotion seekers Banchory all the way. Both Turriff and Banchory commented on the fact that we are bottom of Grade 3 yet played so well.

This week some of the batting was not up to previous levels, and our catching let us down, we missed four catches, none easy, but all catchable on a good day.

Man of the Match: A close decision goes to Mike Phillips who scored 23 runs and took 2 – 23, his best performance by a distance for FPs

Champagne Moment: Harry Houghton’s submarine impression.

FPs once again lost the toss and were invited to bat and with Budd missing it was Lord and Knudson who opened.  They set about a weak attack and quickly built a 74 run partnership with little alarm before Vyas bowled Skipper Knudson for an aggressive 28 which contained 2 sixes.  The new batsmen joined Lord who was already past 50, but their partnership was quickly broken as Lord was Caught off the bowling of Chisholm for 55.

Eagles and Youles both launched some lusty blows, with Dickie taking some serious punishment.  However, Artisans struck back with first Eagles caught at point off Chisholm and then Youles caught at mid wicket as FPS fell back to 158 for 4 in the 26th over.

McDonald and Clelland continued the aggressive approach with McDonald hitting 3 fours in a brisk 21 before Morrison was dismissed for 8 3rd ball, hitting Joyce through midwicket twice for four and then being caught on the boundary off  a full toss.

Craig Fraser hammered a quickfire 24 not out and was ably assisted by Gary Stuart 8 not out as FPs declared in 40 overs on 248 for 8.

Looking for Early wickets Stuart and James Lord opened the bowling and Stuart struck in his fourth over bowling Ritchie.  Eagles introduction then brought almost instant results as Stuart held a stunning catch at square leg to dismiss Munro.  Eagles had his 2nd wicket 10 balls later bowling Thomson and when Frizell caught M Munro, FPs looked in command with Artisans struggling on 47 for 4.  Eagles continued to chip away and Fraser held Ashish at mid on as Eagles claimed his fourth and FPs 5th wicket.

With Youles claiming the wickets of Joyce and Ram with 15 overs still remaining it looked certain FPs would close out victory, however as has so often been the case this season they could not clean up the tail as Chisholm and Vikranth combined until the 48th over until Stuart eventually had Vikranth caught.  John Dickie held firm for the remaining 14 balls as Artisans closed on 130 for 8 in 50 overs, Chisholm carrying his bat for 43 not out.

Eagles was the top bowler with 4 for 11 from 8 overs.

Into the team came James Lord and Craig Fraser from the first XI.

The toss of the Dunecht captains two Euro coin was won by Grammar, and Dunecht were asked to bat on a damp, green wicket, but considering the rain during the week, the wicket was not too bad.

The FPs team were on the field and in their inch perfect fielding positions waiting for the opening batsman to appear for several minutes. Just as the batsmen finally began their walk to the middle, it started to rain heavily, and we retired to the pavillion.

Half an hour later we were back in the middle, the wicket was not badly affected by the rain, but the outfield which looked like thick rough at Augusta, was now pretty wet.

Sam Knudson opened from the Scoreboard End and immediately found a good line and length, and struck in his second over when Poppleton edged one to Lord at second slip who took a sharp catch. Knudson took a second wicket two overs later when Moat played all round a straight delivery and was bowled for 3, leaving Dunecht 14 – 2 after 7 overs.

Things for Grammar got even better when in the next over Karthik had Roberts caught behind by Lloyd for 8, and Dunecht were struggling on 14 – 3 after 8 overs. This was just the start Grammar needed, but the big question was would the opposition middle order score heavily as had happened in the past.

The answer was emphatically “No” as continued good accurate bowling by Knudson and Karthik, aided by tight fielding meant Dunecht scoring was very slow. In Knudson’s last over of his spell (6 – 0 – 9 – 3), Lloyd took another catch down the leg side from a rare Knudson long hop to dismiss De Gabriel, and Dunecht were in deep trouble at 19 – 4 off 12 overs.

Lord replaced Knudson, and opened with two fast accurate maidens. Karthik had by now bowled an excellent 8 – 3 – 14 – 1, with no extras conceded for the first time this season.

Blyth came on for Karthik, and immediately looked in great form. At times his bowling was too good for the batsmen to edge, and he unluckily ended up with no wickets. Blyth bowled his best spell for FPs, 8 – 3 – 10 – 0, unfortunately having one chance spilled by Rizwan.

The Dunecht batsmen had been scoring very slowly due to great bowling by Lord and Blyth, who were helped by the thick wet grass which made it seem like ground shots were rolling up a steep hill, so much so that chasing fielders were almost over-running some shots.

Lord took his first wicket in his fifth over to break a stubborn partnership of 21 when Johnston dived to his right at short cover and held on to a mistimed drive by top scorer Donald, and Dunecht were 38 – 5. In the last over of his spell ( 6 – 3 – 5 – 2), Lord had Duncan well caught off a skier by Rizwan at mid – off for 6, score 39 – 6.

In previous games, Grammar had been unable to finish off teams, and for the next 13 overs Dunecht scored only 11 runs , but lost no more wickets. Magesh bowled 6 overs of accurate spin, and then 2 overs of pace beating the bat on numerous occasions but without luck, bowling 8 – 2 – 7 – 0.

Knudson returned fresh from a snooze in slips to bowl from the “Other” end, and in his second over had Walden well caught by keeper Lloyd diving forward to catch the ball inches from the grass. No 3rd umpire required here, Lloyd making a difficult catch look easy.

Knudson went one better in his next over, taking a further two wickets. Having been reminded, like he needed reminding, that he had taken four wickets so far in the match, he took a brilliant caught and bowled diving to his right and just getting his hands under the ball for his five-for, thus ensuring his Dad would have to fork out and buy a jug of ale for the adult members of the 2nd XI to enjoy, probably resulting in young Knudson being sent home to his bed early as a punishment.

Two balls later Fraser took a very well judged running catch at deep point, and Knudson ended with bowling analysis of 10 – 4 – 10 – 6, his last four over spell reading 4 – 4 – 0 – 3. He has a good chance of being in the 12 for next week’s match.

The Dunecht innings ended next over when Lord ( 8 – 3 – 9 – 3) comprehensively bowled Hogan for 3, Dunecht all out 57.

This was as good a bowling display as the second XI have had for many years, 41 accurate overs, and only two (2) wides. A millstone had become a mile stone. Only two wides, a statistic well worth repeating. Like next week for a start!!

Every bowler looked like taking a wicket at any moment, and the fielding was sharp. Four more bowling performances like this one and we might have a chance of avoiding relegation.

Rob Fryer and Sam Knudson opened the batting for FPs, on paper an easy target, but not that long ago a Grade 1 team was all out, for under 50. Both batsmen went for their shots, Fryer going for all the very wide balls bowled, and Knudson played a few aerial shots, the head in the air / clouds type, which he got away with as we enjoyed the little bit of luck we had been missing so far this season. Dunecht looked a beaten team from the first ball, and just as the Grammar captain began to dream of a victory and his win bonus being safely deposited in his Swiss bank account, Fryer, having again found fielders with good shots with amazing regularity, was out caught for 14 runs. Score 35 – 1 after 11 overs. Hopefully the curse of the openers may have been lifted. Hmm, might be worth opening again.

Knudson had played two good shots for 4 in his innings before he was caught for 19, FPs score 40 – 2. Blyth and Lord put on 13 runs, both batsmen scoring excellent boundaries, when Blyth went for a suicidal second run, and was run out for 11. He was so far out not even a wide screen TV would have had him in the picture.

Our best batsman this season then came and went for a duck, a collectors item from Karthik, score 53 – 4. Fraser was next in and stopped the rot as he decided on some batting practice for a couple of overs. The Dunecht captain, who had injured his hand batting, came on to bowl, and having just been called for a hotly contested wide, bowled the next ball a couple of yards faster and bowled Lord for 7. Sorry James.

Next batsman, our reluctant trainee scorer Harry (“but I did it last week”) Houghton put Dunecht out of their misery when he neatly turned Walden to the legside for a single, and Grammar FPs 2nd XI finally had their first victory of the season.

Following our lap of honour, (commerative medals are being struck) it was then time to pass on the good news to Magesh who was fast asleep on the back seat of Karthik’s car.

Last week after bowling in the heat wave at Methlick, a weary Karthik fell asleep in the recovery position. This week a bleary Magesh fell asleep in the rehab position. Say no more.

Man of the Match: Sam Knudson 6 – 10, 19 runs, and more impressively, paid his back-dated match fees.

Champagne Moment:  His caught and bowled to get his five-for.

Both openers looked in good touch and they forged a solid opening partnership of 46 before Aman bowled Budd for 23 with a ball Budd elected to leave clipping the top of off stump.  This brought Dallas Moir to the crease and he should have departed for 2 when attempting a big shot he could only top edge a simple chance to the bowler. Unbelievably, Kessell could not gather it, but in the confusion, the ball was thrown up to the strikers end to run out Lord by yards in shambolic manner for 18, leaving FPs 60 for 2.

Moir was joined by his twin brother Jerry and they set about the Academy attack in a rapid 89 run partnership, with Dallas passing 50 with a huge six, one of 3 he hit. This was to be his last scoring shot however, as he top edged Rasman and was easily caught at the wicket for 54, having hit 7 fours and 3 sixes. Youles came in at 5 on the back of some good form but could only muster 4 being bowled by Rasman, to reduce FPs to 171 for 4.

This soon become 175 for 5 as Jerry Moir who had also recorded a 50 was caught off the bowling of Aman for a well played 58. James Lord and Muthu both came and went and it was left to Morrison and Fraser to push the total past 200 to declare at 202 for 7 off 42 overs.

FPs bowling effort started brightly as Moir soon had Academy 4 for 1, bowling Afai first ball with a fine delivery. There was then a real lull in proceedings as Academy moved cautiously to 35 after 12 overs. Tomkins replaced Lord and instantly made a breakthrough, having Liptrott caught in the gully by the juggling Muthu for 15. Moir having taken 1 for 4 in 7 overs was replaced by Stuart in the attack but it was Tomkins who continued to collect the wickets, having dangerman Sunny caught and bowled for a duck to leave Academy 38 for 3.

Roshan and Aman then build a good partnerhip, taking the score past 100 with FPs becoming increasingly desperate for a wicket. Their wish for a wicket was answered by a fine catch by Skipper Morrison running back from mid off. Aman looking to hit Tomkins for six, could only get a big leading edge allowing Morrison to turn and make good ground to take a diving chance to dismiss Aman for a well played 53. Tomkins struck again in his next over catching Roshan off his own bowling for 35. Tomkins continued his great work in his 10th over having both Stewart and Ashin caught at first slip by Jerry Moir leaving Academy 117 for 7. Tomkins could not add further to his tally endding with 12-0-48-6.

FPs by this time had Moir back in the attack and he was joined by Youles as FPs sought the 3 wickets needed for victory. Kessels was leading a charmed life as twice he was put down at mid on off Moir, Stuart the unfortunate fielder on both occasions. With game seemingly heading for a draw, Youles gave FPs hope as Kessels chipped an easy catch to Dallas Moir to leave FPs needing 2 wickets in the last 7 overs.

There was were a number of extremely close calls with Moir appearing to have Mahesh plumb LBW only for the umpire to bizarrely rule it was not out as he could not see any of the stumps. As has often been the case this season, it appeared little would be given and when Morrison appeared to have FPs reject Naeem caught at mid off from Stuart’s bowling it was ruled bump ball despite Morrison being 35 yards away and the pitch being wetter than a bank holiday weekend.

FPs could not force the wickets they needed but did pick up the bonus wicket of Mahesh run out off the last ball from Morrison’s throw as Budd collected the ball and to run him out by the length of the pitch despite Naeem’s strange protests. This meant that Academy finished on 175 for 9 in what had been a good rearguard action aided by some dropped catches and some questionable umpiring.

Moir was once again in miserly form with 1 for 14 from 12, but it was Tomkins who took the bowling honours with his 6 for 48, Youles picking up the other wicket with 1 for 22 from 6.

FPs decided to let some of their change bowlers have a chance, and Stuart and Tomkins were both succesful in hitting the timbers as well with Stuart bowling Morrice for 3 and Tomkins bowling Hawkins for 3 and then West for 5.

The Kemnay total was helped up to 39 by 17 extras, many of which were fairly generous wides. Bowling figures were Lord 6-3-7-4, Moir 4-1-9-2, Stuart 5-1-8-1 and Tomkins 5-2-2-4.  Eagles solitary over cost 5.

40 was never likely to be a difficult target but FPs contrived to lose 3 wickets in the first 3 overs as a reshuffled batting order gave Kemnay 3 points. First Muthu was bowled for 1 by a shooter from Barron before MacDonald was adjudged caught at the wicket for 10 off Hawkins, James Lord then followed playing across the line to Barron for 1 leaving FPs 14 for 3.  Morrison then slammed his first ball straight at Watson who spilled the chance.

After this, FPs settled down as Youles launched into the bowling to hit an unbeaten 22 in a unbeaten stand of 26 with Morrison. The only alarm when Youles skied a simple chance to Watson who contrived to drop the chance. Youles unconcerned then inside edged the next ball for 4 to wrap up a 7 wicket win, with the clock not yet striking 3.

However, it was MacDonald who hauled FPs back into the match when he tempted Findlay out of his crease to have him expertly stumped by Clelland, standing up, for a well played 23. Jerry Moir was by now into the attack after a double change and he removed dangerman Jamieson with a slightly loose delivery which Jamieson could only direct in the direction of Eagles. Initially, he appeared not to sight it, but managed to dive forward claiming a good low catch to reduce Queens Cross to 66 for 2.  They were soon 69 for 4 as first Moir had Blair Findlay caught by Clelland after a loose shot and then MacDonald had Shepherd caught by Roland Knudson at mid off for a duck.

MacDonald picked up his third wicket soon after with Russell brilliantly caught in the deep by John Lord. A diving effort on the run going to his right will be hard to beat for catch of the season. This left Queens Cross on 77 for 5 with Hutton and Murphy at the wicket.

After being beaten a number of times by Jerry Moir outside the off stump, Moir straightened his line to comprehensively bowl him leg stump for 5. Jamieson snr was the new batsman but he aimed a truly awful smash at Eagles and was stumped by yards. FPs had ideas of finishing Queens Cross off for around 100, but a useful partnership between Hutton and Bell carried the score towards 150 before Bell was caught by Knudson when Tomkins returned to the attack for 23. With his partner dismissed and batting with a runner, Hutton soon perished, bowled by Knudson for a well played 36. The innings closed on 152 when Tomkins bowled last man Taylor for 1.

Overall 152 looks a competitive score mainly thanks to the fast start and useful 8th wicket stand. James Lord was slightly off colour with 5 overs for 29, Tomkins bowled some good balls and will certainly be an asset this summer with 2 for 38 and Eagles and Knudson provided some tidy spin with 1 for 29 and 1 for 17 respectively. The star bowlers however were MacDonald with 10 overs 3 for 24 and the magnificent Jerry Moir whose 12 overs included 8 maidens as he picked up 3 for 9.

Lord opened the batting with Clelland and FPs were soon in trouble as first Clelland was caught down the leg side by Murphy off the bowling of Jamieson and then Muthu departed for a second ball duck caught by K Findlay at mid off, leaving FPs 15 for 2. Dallas Moir joined Lord at the crease and took some time playing himself in, failing to score from his first 11 balls. After 14 overs FPs had reached 27 for 2, but just 14 overs later 129 additional runs had been added as Moir got into full flow.

The introduction of Taylor seemed to be the catalyst, as Moir launched him for some enormous blows as he was hit out of the attack in 3 overs which cost 31 runs, mainly in boundaries. Kieran Findlay was next to have a bowl but threw in the towel after 1 over which went for 13. With Queens Cross clearly up against it, their captain with overs still to bowl, retired to deep mid wicket and left his team mates to try and stem the flow of runs. Next to have a crack was Blair Findlay but he was dealt with in a similar style but at least deserves credit for sticking at it for 3 overs which cost 25. The final bowler used was Bell and his 13 balls were also massacred in fine style by Moir as he conceeded 27. Moir hit the winning runs, not surprisingly a six to finish on 97 not out from 66 balls in 76 minutes.  He hit 10 fours and 7 sixes.

This also meant the stand had been 129 unbroken and Lord deserves great credit for a very fine innings at the other end, where he played the opening bowlers with great sense early on and was happy to pick off the bad balls in a very fine 38 not out which contained 5 well struck boundaries. His blunting of the opening attack certainly allowed Moir free reign to dismantle the change bowlers. It could be some time before an FPs batsman plays a more destructive innings.

Next up for FPs is a tricky home match versus old foes Gordonians.