AGSFP’s 3rd XI faced Ellon 2nd XI at Sheddocksley in a vital league match, with both teams chasing a top 6 place to ensure a place in Grade 3 next season.
The FP’s team selected was Johnston, Sandeep, Aninda, Norwood, James Lord, Guru, Eagles, Joy, Vishal, Shriram and Goodenough (wkt)
FP’s finally won a toss and decided to bat first on a warm, sunny afternoon. The wicket was very dry and had obviously been used recently. A used crease is not too bad but to use a wicket with a wide depression just on a length with the rest of the flat square available is very poor management. But at least the stumps were in line, unlike our previous match at Sheddocksley.
Norwood was out third ball of the match when he edged Waqar to Proctor at slip, next ball Lord was out attempting a pull shot off a good length ball which reared out of the depression, caught by Proctor who ran round behind the keeper, FP’s 0 – 2, first over.
Aninda and Guru then played well, adding 39 runs before Guru was out LBW for 17 (4 x 4) Guru showing signs of his top form. Next over Aninda was run out trying to pole vault the dip in the wicket, dropping his bat in the process, out for 10 (1 x 4), FP’s 43 – 4.
Eagles opened his account with a classic cover drive, but FP’s mini collapse continued as first Johnston then Joy were dismissed for ducks, both out to the accurate Proctor, FP’s 48 -6. The deep depression problem now the other side of the boundary.
Eagles and Vishal then produced a great counter attack, Vishal hitting some powerful shots to all corners, including a huge 6, with the experienced Eagles happy to perform the support role. The outfield was lightening fast and most shots which passed the fielder crossed the boundary.
Vishal had just completed his first 50 for FP’s but then played a loose shot and was caught off Proctor for 51 (1 x 6, 8 x 4), FP’s 132 – 7 off 31.3 overs, the stand worth 84 runs.
Eagles and Vishal had played the type of innings required by FP’s 3rd XI, playing with patience, keeping out the good balls and taking advantage of any bad balls bowled to him.
Shri got off the mark first ball with a lovely leg side flick to the boundary. Eagles then went on the attack playing some very well placed shots, but was out bowled by wicketkeeper/bowler Parks for 47 (10 x 4).
Shri hit another good shot for four, but was left stranded as first Goodenough then Sandeep were dismissed for ducks, Sandeep to a great catch at slip by Proctor off Waqar. FP’s dismissed for 165 off 36 overs. Five batsmen got into double figures, but 6 batsmen were out without scoring.
Wicket takers for Ellon were Waqar 7 – 0 – 37 – 4, Proctor 12 – 4 – 30 – 3, Paterson 7 – 0 – 30 – 1, Parks 2 – 0 – 12 – 1
FP’s took a wicket in the 3rd over, Goodenough holding on to a regulation edged catch off Montgomery who was out for 4, Vishal the bowler, Ellon 13 – 1. Opener Javia was swinging at everything and was fortunate to be dropped off the excellent Vishal, but was eventually caught by Guru off Lord for 36 (7 x 4).
Javia was also fortunate to survive a sharp piece of work by Goodenough who had stumped the batsman off Eagles. When asked, the square leg umpire confirmed that the batsman’s foot was on the line, but said that was not out. He then consulted the umpire at the bowlers end for some time, long enough for a batsman to be timed out, but still refused to change his mind. Very frustrating for FP’s.
Eagles and Lord bowled very well, tieing down Proctor and Duncan, but with plenty of overs in hand for Ellon, FP’s needed wickets. The batsmen were hitting regular boundaries and not even an unprecedented second drinks break in a single game at the Shed could bring the much needed breakthrough.
The FP’s total was passed with no further fall of wickets, Proctor 55 n.o. Duncan 49 n.o. Ellon 167 – 2 off 36.5 overs.
Wicket takers for FP’s were Vishal 6 – 0 – 32 – 1, Lord 8 – 1 – 26 – 1. FP’s dropped 4 catches, probably all of which were catchable.
No real excuses for FP’s, Ellon were too strong on the day, but FP’s batting at times was poor.
Champagne Moment – Vishal reaching his first FP’s 50
Man of the Match – Tom Proctor, 3 wickets, 3 catches, 55 not out
