Ellon all but secured the Grade 1 title as they defeated FPs by 116 runs. After Davies had made 48 and Arora 55 in Ellon’s 196 for 5 declared, FPs had no answer with the bat being bowled out for 79 in 44 overs. It capped a dispointing campaign for FPs which has been badly affected by weather but also hampered by batting collapses and dropped catches.
Having won the toss and asking Ellon to bat, FPs could only look on as Ellon compiled a large 1st innings score, with the score closing on 100 before FPs could force a break through. The 1st wicket eventually arrising when Dabvies who had been looking to use his feet against Eagles was beaten in the flight and stumped by Clelland for a fine 47.
FPs used 7 bowlers in attempting to claim wickets and Eagles ought to have had 2 LBWs which were turned down despite appearing to be heading straight for middle stump much to Eagles’ clear astonishment. FPs did eventually claim a 2nd wicket with Arora who had played beautifully for 55 run out by a direct him from close to the boundary by Booth. FPs made matters tough but twice dropping Barrett as he looked to up the scoring but they did eventually dismiss him for 18, Eagles claiming a good catch off Vijapur before Salisbury was easily stumped for a patient 28 off Roland Knudson’s bowling. A 3rd stumping followed as Scott Whyte was defeated by Knudson and easily stumped. However the damage had been done by the opening stand and 196 for 5 looked more than a winning score.
FPs needed to make a good start but once again failed to as Booth was bowled by Wade for 5. This set the tone for regular dismissals as Clelland was stumped off Barrett for 8 and Morrison was LBW for 3 despite an apparent large deflection from the bat. Lord battled valiantly for 13, before walking for a thin but audible nick to the keeper and Vijapur could only make 6 as FPs slumped to 60 for 5.
The only ray of light was the innings of Aly MacDonald who made 18 and he did receive some brief but entertaining support from Goodenough, but after they were both out bowled, it was 68 for 7 and nearly all over. Knudson and Barker defended valiantly but with the score on 79, Wade bowled Knudson for 8, Knudson was given out LBQW for 2 to White and last man Stuart edged Wade to Davies for a duck to hand Ellon the 30 points.
Overall it was a very impressive display from Ellon who boasted the strongest all round side FPs have faced this season and will be deserving winners of Grade 1 assuming that they get the required points from their final game. For FPs, Grade 1 status is secured, but this fell below the ambitions at the start of the season. Next season will call for more application with the bat and for catches to be held. This season will also be remembered as one of the wettest on record and all that can be hoped for is that the sun shines next term. FPs round off the season with a friendly against Orkney before a trip to Paisely for a 6s tournament.
