FPs had to settle for a share of the spoils against second placed Methlick despite dominating withboth bat and ball. Having posted 225 for 5, Methlickhung on for a draw making 125 for 9. FP’s main contributors withthe bat were Roland Knudson with a fine 57 from 69 balls, Chris Clelland with 47 and Glenn Miller with a quickfire 47 not out. John Eagles bowled superbly claiming 4 for 22 and Sam Knudson took 2 for 11 in 8 overs.
FPs brought back in Miller, the fit again John Lord and MacDonald with Muthu, Whyte and Frizzell dropping out. Knudson once again lost the toss and FPs were invited to bat.
Former FP man Stephen Murphy opened the bowling with Duffy with John Lord joined by Roland Knudson at the top of the FP order. FPs started cautiously, moving to 6 for no wicket in 6 overs. Lord began to play some shots and having advanced the score to 34 after 15 overs he was well stumped by Woodhouse off the bowling of Mitchell for 14.
Clelland joined Knudson and they started to build a fine partnership, with Clelland opening his account with a big shot for 6 and then Knudson hammering Buchan for three successive fours through the covers. Addison was brought into the attack and Knudson greeted him with a big six over deep midwicket as the stand reached 50.
Clelland then struck his second six as FPs took to Addison’s bowling and Knudson brought up his 50 from just 69 balls. However with the score on 113, Knudson was adjudged LBW for a well played 57 off the bowling of Buchan.
New man Eagles joined Clelland and some sensible shot play and intelligent running allowed a useful stand of 48, which was broken when Clelland eying a 50 advanced against Duffy to be easily be stumped by Woodhouse for 47. MacDonald joined Eagles but fell first ball edging to Woodhouse. At 161 for 4 with 8 overs remaining big hitting Australian Miller came to the crease and after a few sighters set about the bowling launching Duffy for 6 and hammering 6 fours as he quickly moved into the 40s.
Eagles was also looking to be positive and with just 10 balls remaining he was bowled by Buchan for 32. Morrison joined Miller for the the last 10 balls and some extremely positive running and risk taking allowed FPs to get up to 225 for 5 with Miller left unbeaten on 47 from just 30 balls.
After a brief rain shower over the tea interval, Methlick began their reply with James Lord and Miller opening the bowling. It took Miller just 10 balls to get into his stride bowling Anderson for 2. Murphy came in at 3 and he and Woodhouse played extremely positively scoring freely to lift the score to 45 for 1 after 10 overs before Clelland took a great catch behind the stumps to remove Woodhouse off Miller’s bowling.
After 6 overs from Lord, Sam Knudson came on 1st change and after a good opening over he bowled Bremeneson offering no shot for 6. Murphy continued his positive approach driving well as the score reached 83 in 23 overs. Skipper Knudson then elected to introduce wily spinner Eagles and the move reaped instant dividends as Eagles and Clelland combined to ensure there was no old pals act as Murphy was brilliantly stumped by the latter. The umpire appeared to turn down the appeal but Murphy chose to walk in a show of excellent sportmanship. Three balls later things got even better for FPS as James Lord claimed a brilliant diving catch at long on to dismiss Addison.
Methlick then managed to build a useful stand which appeared to have secured them a draw, as Mitchell and Buchancombined to thwart Eagles, Roland Knudson and Stuart. However with just 10 overs left, and FPs looking out of ideas, Buchan set off for a crazy single to Sam Knudson and was sent back by his partner but could not beat the throw to fall for 15. Next ball Eagles and Clelland appealed confidently for LBW as Moir claimed for a catch, the LBW was rejected, but on consultation the catch appeal was upheld as Methlick fell to 118 for 7. Moments later Eagles struck for a 4th time bowling Allan for a duck.
FPs now had 6 overs to force victory and despite Knudson shuffling his pack with McDonald coming into the attack it seemed as if Methlick were sure to hang on. However, there was to be one final scare as Sam Knudson rejoined the attack and with 3 balls remaining in the innings comprehensively bowled Gerrie for a duck – unfortunately he could not claim the final wicket as Methlick held on for the draw.
Despite not being able to claim all 30 points, FPs scored well in this encounter and greatly restricted Methlick. Eagles was the pick of the bowling, 10-3-22-4 but was well supported by Miller 10-2-39-2 and the excellent Sam Knudson 8-2-11-2. the other bowlers also did well with James Lord 6-1-28-0, Roland Knudson 4-1-10-0, Stuart 5-2-10-0 and MacDonald 2-0-4-0.
FPs face a tough cup tie against Fraserburgh on Sunday before facing 2nd Cults next week at Rubislaw. If they can continue recent form then a promotion push seems very possible this campaign.
