On Saturday 14 May 2nd FP’s travelled to the historic and surprisingly sunlit surroundings of the Balmoral Estate. The team lined up Barker (C), Whyte (VC), Mehmood, Siva, Mountain, Clelland (W), Lord, Eagles, Manogna, Knudson R., Garratt.
Winning the toss, Barker elected to put Crathie in to bat, albeit on what looked to be a relatively good wicket. Crathie were relatively composed for the first few overs, their openers finding the boundary well. Fortunately for FP’s, Chris Clelland had found his way back down to the 2nd XI and proceeded to make 4 stumpings and take a leg-side catch, Whyte, Siva, Eagles and Knudson the beneficiaries. Clelland’s smart work behind the stumps allied to some good catching and fielding in general restricted Crathie to a total of 116 a.o., with M Bestwick 30 and T Summers 28 top scoring. For FP’s K Whyte 3-21 and Siva 3-23 shared the bowling honours.
After the usual excellent tea, a replete looking opening pair of Lord and Clelland took to the stage. Runs came slowly but steadily against an accurate bowling attack but no wickets were falling. After playing himself in, Lord went for some shots later in his innings and was rewarded with a promising 24 before falling. Garratt came in at 3, also looking to play himself into a bit of form, and he and Clelland continued to score steadily, punishing the bad balls and playing some excellent cricket shots. Clelland as usual prospered behind square, with Garratt utilising the lofted straight drive to great effect.
Both players steadfastly refused to give up their wickets, despite the Captain being quite keen for a bat at 4, and successfully chased down the total with 10 overs remaining, finishing Clelland 56no, Garratt 31no.
The game was played in excellent spirit, Crathie gracious hosts as always.
Man of the match – Chris Clelland, with a comprehensive display of wicket-keeping and batting.
