FPs made a strong start to the new season as they brushed aside Fraserburgh in a 7 wicket win. Miller, Moir and Eagles were all in fine bowling form, sharing 8 wickets, with debutant Whyte claiming 3 catches and stand in keeper Morrison grabbing 5 dismissals.
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.
