FPs picked up their first win of the season as they comfortably beat Queens Cross by 50 runs. Having been bowled out for143, FPs looked to be struggling as Queens Cross reached 70 for 2 but some inspired bowling from Gary Stuart (3/18) and John Eagles (4/6) ensured FPs hauled themselves out of the relegation zone. Moir was the main man with the bat, hitting a fine 57 and he was well supported by Eagles (26) in a 62 run stand.
FPs made 3 changes with Stuart, Frizzell and MacDonald replacing Youles, Fraser and Malik. Knudson lost the toss and Queens Cross invited FPs to bat. The game started in bizarre fashion as Blair Findlay slipped during his first ball damaging his hand and having to retire from the field. This set back did not seem to affect Queens Cross as soon they had FPs 6 for 2 as first Knudson pushed one straight to Hutton and the fellow opener Clelland could only guide Taylor to cover as both men fell for 2.
Budd and Moir then combined to solidify the inning lifting FPs to 39 in 18 overs before Budd chipped a catch to Findlay to fall for 12. This brought Moir and Eagles together and the experienced duo set off on a 62 run stand, Moir smashing 3 sixes on his way to an excellent 57 before steering Almond straight to mid on. Frizzell soon followed for a duck and things got worse as Macdonald fell for 5 from the bowling of Lydiate.
Morrison and Eagles then consolidated in a 26 run stand dominated by Morrison before Eagles was out caught off Almond for 26 as FPs reached 134. Knudson, Lord and Stuart were then all bowled in quick succession as FPs were dismissed for 143, Morrison left stranded on 19 not out.
143 was worth more than it seemed on a slow outfield but FPs needed quick wickets and when Moir induced Swerigon to edge to MacDonald at slip it was a major blow when the chance went down. This allowed the openers to move to 35 despite Lord beating Findlay time and time again before the introduction of Sam Knudson brought the breakthrough, Swerigon spiralling a catch to Morrison at cover who made no mistake. Roland Knudson soon dismissed Ward bowling him with a quicker delivery as Queens Cross were reduced to 41 for 2.
Roland and Sam Knudson continued the attack but with no joy as Findlay and Hutton moved Queens Cross to 70 for 2. With FPs running short of ideas in the 24th over a double change was made with Eagles and Stuart introduced, yet in 11 overs the game was all over as Stuart rolled back the years in an inspired spell, claiming 3 wickets in his first 3 overs.
First he clean bowled Findlay, before Frizzell claimed a great catch at mid on as Russell departed for 10. Moments later Eagles produced a spinning delivery to bowl Shepherd for a duck before he struck again Lydiate wandering out of his crease to be stumped for a duck- 80 for 6.
Everything was going FPs way and Stuart dismissed Hutton in remarkable circumstances skipper Knudson claiming an absolute blinder at point from a short Stuart delivery for 15. Eagles then confidently appealed for LBW but to his horror it was turned down, but unperturbed he produced a fine delivery to pin Taylor plumb LBW next ball. It was now all over bar the shouting and Eagles collected his 4th wicket to claim victory, Almond clean bowled for 7.
It was a remarkable turnaround with Queens Cross slumping from 70 for 2 to 93 all out. If FPs can keep up this level of bowling and fielding performance there is still a chance they can escape relegation.
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