Mapplebeck strikes against GU
FPs made the final but were ultimately beaten in the Glasgow University Andy Parkin Memorial Sixes, but can be proud of a good performance which ultimately raised a healthy sum for charity and proved a hugely enjoyable occasion. FPs travelled with a squad containing Knudson, Stuart, Norwood, Whyte, Johnston, Morrison and former skipper Alan Redhead and Mapplebeck made the short trip across Glasgow.
With Morrison nursing a broken finger and Redhead rested for the opener, skipper Morrison won the toss and asked the BBC to bat. Using a pink ball for the 1st time and with Wides and no balls both counting 2 and leading to a free hit, FPs bowled with great discipline to restrict the BBC to 41 for 3 from their 5 overs, only bowling 2 wides and conceding just 12 in the powerplay. A tight opening over of 3 from Whyte was followed by Stuart (1-6) clean bowling Hinds for 2, Mapplebeck superbly running out Cara for 3 and then Mapplebeck taking 1-6 with Stuart reeling in a fine catch. FPs made short work of the target easing to 44 for 0 with 9 balls and a powerplay to spare. Knudson making 22 not out with 1 six and Whyte 17 not out hitting 2 fours and a straight 6.
FPs stayed with an unchanged side for the 2nd group game against Team GU, and having won the toss performed less well with the ball bowling 7 wides and a no ball as Team GU made 67 for 1. Copeland making a quick 19 before Johnston claimed what may have been his 1st wicket ever, Mappleback claiming a fine catch on the boundary.
Despite Mapplebeck (25), Stuart (7) and Whyte’s (12) best efforts, FPs were always behind the rate and could only reach 55 all out as Team GU forced a 3 way tie at the top of Group B.
With no defined criteria to separate 3 tied teams, a sudden death bowl out was quickly convened to decide who would play in the final. Having sat on the side-lines during the previous matches, captain Morrison stepped up 1st and hit the middle stump to send FPs into the final as BBC and Team GU both missed.
Morrison won his 3rd toss ahead of the final and again elected to field and named an unchanged side against the much fancied Pakistan GU. Whyte (1-10) got FPs off to the perfect start knocking out Shah’s leg stump 1st ball, but this was to be FPs only success as Pakistan GU smashed their way to 92 for 1 with a series of wides and somewhat harsh no balls contributing 18 extras and numerous free hits. Imitaz crashing 48not out from 17 balls with Asif contributing 26.
FPs opted for their 3rd different opening pair of Norwood and Johnston but never managed to get up and running making just 39 for 3 despite 19 not out from Mapplebeck.
Overall it was an enjoyable day, played in a good spirit and helped to raise funds for cancer charities. Mapplebeck was man of the tournament and Gary Stuart cleaned up in the raffle winning numerous prizes. An invitation to return next year has already been accepted and FPs will hope to go one better and perhaps claim the trophy in 2013.
