An understrength FPs exited the Aberdeenshire cup after a heavy 99 run defeat to Inverurie. Aberdeenshire man Lamb struck an excellent 81 in a rare Inverurie start as they compiled 180 for 5 and then George Hadden produced an inspired spell to claim 7 for 23 as FPs crumbled to 81 all out. Sam Knudson and Tabrez Malik both produced fine bowling spells to at least lift FP spirits.
FPsmade 7 changes from Saturday’s side with only the Knudsons, Morrison and Stuart starting. FPs won the toss and elected to bowl on a damp pitch and after an aggressive start, Hadden fell for 20 brilliantly caught by the backpedalling Roland Knudson at mid off from Rubesh’sbowling. Randell then combined with Lamb as Lamb continued past 50 hitting some big blows from the off colour Roland Knudson.
Gary Stuart and Mageshcould not stem the flow but with the score on 123, the introduction of Malikreaped dividends as he bowled Randell for 19 hitting across the line. He soon followed up to produce a beauty to clean bowl Lamb for a fine 81 as the score reached 149 for 3. The return of Sam Knudson saw him dismiss Martin to an excellent cautch low by Paul MacDonald. Knudson struck again to bowl Heeraj for 2 before rain intervened with the score on 172. After a short delay the innings was completed with 8 more added as Inverurie closed on 180 for 5. Pick of the bowlers were Sam Knudson with 2 for 29 from 9 and Malik with 2 for 35 from 9.
FPs needed a strong start needing 4.5 an over and seemed to be on track straight away as Roland Knudson climbed into Aberdeenshire’s Ritchie Lamb’s bowling hitting him for 4 three times in the opening over. Lamb eventually located his line in his 4th over as Morrison was LBW for 2. Malik joined Knudson and they batted cautiously to reach 37 before Knudson played across a straight ball from Hadden to fall for 23. MacDonald replaced Knudson and after a couple of nice shots he was caught for 8 off Hadden. Sam Knudson soon followed caught by Martin off Hadden and it was soon 62 for 5 as Malik was bowled trying to cut Jessiman.
Wickets continued to tumble as Hadden bowled Magesh, before Johnston chipped Hadden to Jessiman. It was soon all over as Rubesh was LBW to Hadden and Milne fell first ball superbly caught and bowled by Hadden. Stuart avoided the hatrick before Davey was stumped off Jessiman for 14 as he attempted to hit out. Fps all out for 81.
Haddenwas the star performer with 7 for 23, but FPswon’t be too despondent as the main aim of the weekend was accomplished with a league victory. A tough test versus Mannofield awaits next weekend, but the return of Eagles, Moir, Clelland and Budd is sure to boost FPs.
