Despite another strong bowling performance, FPs were unable to chase down a modest target as they once again slipped to defeat to lose by 19 runs at Ellon. 37 from Alex Keith and 32 from Pehlaj Tenneti was not enough to support Mapplebeck’s 2 for 24, Thomson’s 2 for 31 and Hameed’s 3 for 29. Despite making just 150 for 8, it proved a winning score as FPs batting woes continued.
FPs won the toss again and elected to field on a damp looking wicket. They struck early when Mapplebeck yorked Borstlap for 13, but a strong stand between Veldsman and Scott White threatened to take the game away from FPs. It took a superb one handed catch down the legside to remove Veldsman who walked for 41. The 3rd wicket went to Hameed, White LBW to a ball that straightened but might have missed the leg stump.
Turner and C White then combined to add 35, until Thomson has Turner plumb LBW for 20. It led to a succession of wickets as Senthil claimed a good catch at point to remove Watson for 2 to give Thomson a 2nd wicket. Proctor soon followed, driving powerfully to mid on where Knudson held a smart catch. Mapplebeck returned and clean bowled White for 24 and Ellon were 117 for 7.
Some smart hitting carried them to 137 before Tenneti caught Greenfield off Vijapur for 14. Some tight bowling then ensured Ellon could only reach 150 for 8 after 45. Overall FPs fielded superbly, with Waldron setting a fine example. The bowling figures were Mapplebeck 11-3-24-2, Vijapur 10-2-55-1, Thomson 12-1-38-2 and Hameed 12-3-29-3.
In attempt to break the barren run, FPsswitched their order with Senthil opening with Keith, but the new opener fell for just 3 bowled by Borstlap. Tenneti and Keith then added 55 patient runs and looked relatively untroubled until Keith was bowled for 37 by Borstlap. Tenneti fell soon afterwards to White and it led to a procession of wickets. Waldron was caught and bowled Borstlap for 5, Mapplebeck smashed a 6 but fell to White for 19, McDonald was Run out from the boundary by Turner and Morrison slogged at a straight ball and was bowled for a duck. Hameed and Knudson went in a similar manner and FPs were 118 for 9 with 5 overs left.
Vijapur and Thomson did what they could to try and rescue the situation, but Vijapur was last out for 16 as FPs slid to defeat.
Overall, it was a bitterly disappointing outcome and was similar to many games this season where FPs have bowled well but batted poorly. It was a game played in a good spirit with no umpires present and none needed, with players from both sides happy to walk and LBWs being given fairly. Next up for FPs is Fraserburgh at home, a side who comprehensively outplayed FPs last time the sides met.
