FPs were once again bowled out for less than 100 as they fell from 77 for 4 to 85 all out and were easily defeated by 7 wickets by Banchory. Only 3 players made double figures, while extras top scored with 24.
Morrison took over from Knudson as skipper and Eagles and Stuart returned in place of Blythe and Goodenough. FPs lost the toss and were invited to bat. With Budd injured and Knudson not available, Aly MacDonald was promoted to open with John Lord, but both were quickly out as FPs stumbled to 12 for 2. Lord LBW to Mason for 2 and MacDonald Bowled by Mason for 5.
Malik and Moir steadied the ship with some composed batting, Moir hitting 2 fours before he failed to connect with an expansive drive to be bowled by Mason for 13. Eagles was then unlucky to get a shooter to be plumb LBW for 4 as FPs slid to 48 for 4. Morrison joined Malik and just when looking well set on 19 and having shared 29, having hit 3 fours he was bowled by the variable Herbert. Malik followed moments later bowled by Herbert for 16 and it was soon 78 for 7 as Paul MacDonald fell for a ssecond ball duck. Ali quickly bowled Sam Knudson, James Lord and Stuart all for ducks leaving Clelland not out 2 and FPs all out for 85.
FPs needed early wickets but it took them until the 10th over to strike, Hasan getting a leading edge to Paul MacDonald at cover off Jerry Moir’s bowling. With many bowling options Morrison soon turned to Eagles spin and he struck in his 3rd over Clelland easily stumping Virk for 4 after a wild charge down the pitch – 41 for 3.
This brought Ali to the crease and he plqyed some fine shots in ensuring FPs had no chance of defending there small total with some stylish cuts as he made a rapid 34 before he was caught off the bowling of Stuart by Aly MacDonald. Perry and Pillai then combined to add the remaing 5 runs as Banchory cruised to a simple victory.
FPs face a tough test against Bon Accord next week and they will be desperate to avoid another batting failure as they battle to stay in grade 1.
