FPs slumped to an 8 wicket defeat to Stonehaven as the batting failed again, with only Booth making double figures in FPs 69 all out. Stonehaven eased home with 8 wickets to spare, Tim Donald making an unbeaten 37, despite a valiant spell from Vijapur who took 2 for 21.FPs made 2 changes from last week with Chris Clelland returning behind the stumps and youngster Sam Knudson returning as FPs named what is undoubetly the youngest side in Grade 1, Khan and Senthil making way. FPs lost the toss and were asked to bat first on a soft wicket and were soon in trouble as Vijapur was adjudged LBW for 0 in the 1st over from Hinchcliffe. Skipper Morrison replaced him and he and Booth shared in what was ultimately FPs highest stand of 20, until Booth was bowled by Finlay playing no shot.
Morrison was then dropped one of the easiest chances of the season and Davey was dropped twice in succesive balls, but FPs failed to take advantage as Hinchcliffe bowled Morrison for 5 as FPs slipped to 25 for 3. Davey then fell in bizarre circumstances, caught off a long hop via the back of his bat. Knudson them suffered an injury which required a runner and after a full audit of the equipment being sported by his runner, the unlikely figure of Skipper Morrison the game continued only for Knudson to promptly be bowled. FPs declined further to 52 for 6 as McDonald was bowled for 5 and Mapplebeck failed to help matters as he ran himself out for 3.
FPs then quickly declined to 69 all out as Sam Knudson was bowled for a duck and then James Lord and Clelland were both LBW as the season’s LBW count reached 6.
69 was never likely to be anywhere enough, but FPs did at least pick up 2 wickets as Vijapur bowled a good 7 over spell, yorking Milroy for 11 and comprehensively bowling Keith for 2 to record figures of 2 for 21. Stuart bowled tidily but FPs lack of runs meant that a good 37 not out from Donald ensured that Stonehaven cruised to victory.
FPs face Mannofield next week if a pitch can be installed in time and they will need to find some batting form if they ar to start getting some serious points on the board.
