An under strength FP side showing 9 changes from Saturday’s win against Fraserburgh were well beaten by 69 runs as they exited this years Turriff Cup 20/20 competition. Hero for St Ronald was Amandeep who hit a fine 113 not as the FPs attack toiled. The main highlights for FPs were a fine innings from youngster Russell who hit 35 not out as he and Lloyd shared an unbeaten 53 for the final wicket.
Only Morrison and skipper Knudson were on show from Saturday’s team as FPs drafted in Pete Williams for an extremely rare start, legspinner David Mitchell for a first start in 5 years, Mike Lloyd for the first start of the season, Davey and Campbell for top team debuts, and welcomed Johnston, Russell and Magesh in from the 2nd team.
Having won the toss, Knudson elected to field and took the new ball himself with Magesh and with just 5 on the board Magesh struck to remove Rehan caught and bowled. Campbell and Davie then took up the attack and conceeded 31 and 28 respectivly in their 4 overs as Amandeep upped the pace.
The leg spin of Mitchell was introduced and he found some useful turn and was unlucky to go for 20 in his two overs. Russell curbed the runs somewhat and FPs were helped by sharp fielding by Johnston to run out Theron. Amandeep continued on and after an awful Morrison over, he moved to his hundred as Knudson returned. Knudson did at least pick up a second wicket for himself as Lloyd claimed a simple top edge chance to dismiss Sunil. This left St Ronald on 199 for 3 from their 20 overs – a tough ask for FPs.
Knudson and Morrison opened the batting and after hitting the first 2 overs for 22 they were at least up with the rate. However, the loss of Knudson for 12 was pivotal and FPs slipped to 22 for 2 one ball later as Pete Williams was bowled first ball. Davey hit the hat trick ball for 4 but with the score on 34 Morrison also fell bowled by Ashan for 9. Mitchell was then unlucky to be run out for 4, before Campbell, Davie and Magesh fell in quick time to leave FPs on a disasterous 54 for 7.
Johnston came out swinging and he and Russell quickly added 23 before Johnston was caught for 6. Last man Lloyd came in and he and Russell at least ensured respectability adding 53 in 5 overs, Lloyd hammering 14 from his first 3 balls. Russell also hit his first six as he made a fine 35 and Lloyd 26 as FPs closed on 130 for 9, some 70 runs short of victory.
