The 2012 season will be remembered as one of the wettest on record and it should have been no suprise that it ended with Rubislaw flooded by some of the worst conditions seen in years. The afternoon had started well as FPs welcomed Orkney for a friendly with the sun threatening to sneak through and Morrison and MacDonald’s half centuries had lifted FPs to 206 for 7 in their 40 overs.
With Kintore’s demise, FPs were left with a free week and as such were delighted to play Orkney who were on a 3 game tour. FPs named a fairly recognisable side with Morrison skippering a team comprising Clelland, MacDonald, Barker, Stuart, Knudson, Khan, Norwood, Peires, Booth and guest for the day, friend of the club Cults’ John Thomson. Orkney won the toss and elected to field.
FPs decided to mix up their batting with Morrison joining Clelland. Once again the Rubislaw outfield was long with boundaries tough to come by. Australian Rae was impressive with the ball for Orkney but the openers stood firm scoring 31 in the first 9 overs. Morrison ought to have gone to Westwall, offering a simple chance to slip but it was spilled. It was to prove a costly miss as the openers eased to 79 in the 20th over until Hogley bowled Clelland, looking for a big hit.
New man MacDonald did not mess about hitting two fours and a six, until Morrison joined in hitting a six of his own over mid wicket. After a brief rain delay Morrison looked to raise his 50 in style, but picked Keldie out on the boundary and was relieved to see the chance to go down and sneak through to his fifty. He however, could not go onto a really big score, LBW to Snape for 56 (3×4, 1×6) after a stand of 66. After 2 big stands the 3rd wicket added just 2, Barker bowled Snape for a duck.
Stuart, promoted 6 places from his usual spot started in style, a beautiful cover drive for 4, with MacDonald smashing 3 sixes on his way to an exciting 50. Having reached 54 (4×4, 3×6), however, the ever accurate Snape struck again MacDonald plumb LBW. Stuart launched an imperious straight six and Knudson hit the biggest 6 of the day as FPs sped towards 200. Both were bowled by Westwall for 22 and 13 respectively and he claimed a 3rd wicket Norwood LBW for 3 as FPs chased quick runs. This left Khan and Peires at the end on 4 and 2 not out as FPs closed on a challenging 206 for 7.
The last 5 overs were completed in heavy rain and great credit for Orkney for being happy to stay on. Plaudits also go to John Thomson who despite repeated offers insisted on umpiring all 40 overs making a late run for clubman of the year! For Orkney, skipper Rae bowled well with no luck 0-26, with Westwall 3-34, Snape 2-27 and Hogley 1-41 the wicket takers.
Over tea torrential rain fell flooding Rubislaw and most of Aberdeen leaving both sides with no alternative but to retire to the bar where a large volume of alcohol was consumed by both sides in a fitting end to what had been an extremely enjoyable day. Orkney played in a great spirit and it was a welcome reminder to all about why we give up our Saturday’s to play cricket. Hopefully in due course FPs will be able to make the return trip.