FPs suffered a heavy 8 wicket defeat as they were outplayed by Stonehaven in a disappointing batting performance. Only 3 players reached double figures as they slumped from 38 for no wicket to 61 all out. An aggressive 46 not out from Alex Keith made sure Stonehaven won in quick time.
On an cold day with rain in the air, FPs lost an important toss and Stonehaven duly asked FPs to bat. Despite water leaking from the covers Stonehaven did well to get the pitch playable and despite some damp patches the pitch seemed to be playable. FPs made one change Sam Knudson replacing Aly MacDonald.
Budd opened with captain Knudson and Knudson should have been out first ball when he mistimed a pull straight to J VanderRuit who shelled a simple chance. Knudson survived again shortly after, this time Donald spilling a routine chance. The batsmen then settled down and both Knudson and Budd played some nice shots as FPs moved to 38 after 12 overs. J VanderRuit who had replaced C VanderRuit then struck as Knudson was adjudged LBW despite being struck above the knee roll to fall for 18.
Clelland replaced him but Budd fell moments later with the score on 44 sportingly walking as he edged one through to keeper Milroy as VanderRuit picked up his 1st wicket. Clelland then went for 2 comprehensively bowled by VanderRuit and Miller suffered the same fate shortly after as he fell for a duck – FPs 45 for 4.
This brought Morrison to the crease and off his 4th ball controversy reigned as a head high accidental beamer from VanderRuit was fended off to be caught by Donald. Despite the square leg umpire ruling no ball, the neutral umpire ruled it to be out, citing a late call from square leg. Ironically under rule 42 it is the standing umpires call, not the square leg umpires call and when the umpire refused to revoke his decision, it was only thanks to some excellent sportsmanship from the Stonehaven side that Morrison was recalled and able to continue.
This however, only seemed to inspire Stonehaven as FPs lost two more wickets with the score on 45, Moir bowled by Hinchcliffe and Sam Knudson plumb LBW to the same bowler both for ducks. Eagles joined Morrison and he to fell for a duck somewhat unfortunate to be adjudged LBW as the score slumped to 53 for 7. Morrison was then bowled by a long hop which bounced less than he expected for 10 as VanderRuit picked up his 5th wicket. He soon had 6th as he bowled Lord and Anderson wrapped things up Malik the 4th LBW of the innings for 4.
61 all out was never going to be a competitive score but Stonehaven deserve credit for some excellent bowling, especially J VanderRuit who took 6 for 22 and Hinchcliffe who probably bowled even better than his 3 for 15.
Lord and Miller opened the bowling and Miller had a strong LBW appeal with his 1st ball but the umpire said no. Keith then cut loose with some fantastic shots driving and cutting powerfully as Stonehaven raced to 41 from 8 overs.
Miller did at least pick up a wicket as Milroy failed to control a hook and Budd claimed a simple catch. Garden replaced him but soon fell for a duck as Sam Knudson produced an excellent delivery to clean bowl him. This only delayed the inevitable as Keith cut a final four to finish the game on 46 not out as Stonehaven won by 8 wickets.
Stonehaven should be more than a match for most sides with a talented side, but the defeat left FPs second from bottom and a much improved batting performance will be needed to help them move up the league. Next weeks opponents Inverurie are a talented side but if FPs can find some form, then hopefully they can start to pick up some points.
