Mapplebeck (4/15) produced a vital late spell
FP’s got there rain interrupted season back on track in a phoenix like comeback against Inverurie thanks to some top quality bowling. As the teams arrived they were greeted by the clouds and some persistent drizzle delayed the start of the game by an hour, once the rain had passed the captains agreed on a reduced over match, shook hands and the toss was done, won by Swiergon who elected to bat.
FP’s opened up with a new look opening pair of Steinson and Keith in the absence of Morrison and before long Keith was back in the hutch playing on to Coutts. Swiergon joined Steinson at the crease and went about building a foundation. After some watchful batting a 53 run partnership was formed before a classic Swiergon style run out was witnessed by both teams (see South Africa v Indian 2017). Anand Joined Swiergon and the pair looked to push on before Swiergon was bowled hacking across the line, Senthil joined Anand and then headed back bowled first ball.
Davey and Anand pushed on before Anand was adjudged LBW with the ball hitting all three. Herd Joined Davey and set his sights on some lusty blows before he was very very very well caught on the boundary by Jessiman, a catch that left players from both teams in awe. Mapplebeck joined Davey at the crease and the pair knuckled down with Davey striking some lusty blows in his run a ball 34, Mapplebeck running the quick singles well. Mapplebeck was caught off the bowling of Whyte trying to go over the top and Davey by Jessiman, Hameed was quick to follow and with FPs looked like they wouldn’t see the 35 overs out.
Clelland and Thompson had other ideas and worked the balls into the gaps for the final few over getting what turned out to be some very valuable runs. FP’s finishing on 155/9.
After a brief tea interval Inverurie opened up with the ever present Hadden and Norval, after a watchful start the game took a unexpected turn when grades favourite Hadden was taken ill at the crease and rapidly whisked away to A&E after suffering a dizzy spell at the crease, everybody at AGSFP’s wish George all the best and hope he’s feeling better soon.
Back to the cricket and the new man Watson was out for a duck superbly caught by Senthil in a leg slip position off the bowling of Mapplebeck, Senthil with the bit between his teeth after not scorig with the bat earlier in the day. Norval and Coutts took advantage of some poor bowling before Norval was caught well by Davey at Mid-Off taking a good catch above his head (25/2). Murrison joined Coutts at the crease both playing positively and racking up the runs and making the target of 156 not looking unrealistic. FP’s captain Swiergon spun the bottle and rang the changes bringing on Anand and Herd, Anand started positively but was leaking boundaries whilst Herd was spinning his web but both batsmen did not seemed to be troubled.
After the drinks interval Swiergon turned to himself for a over to see if he could get anything from the batsman and after a couple of rusty deliveries the experiment was over and FP’s right arm hero was brought into the attack John Thomson. He like most of the bowlers looked a tad rusty but within two overs he had the wicket of Coutts well caught by Keith at midwicket for a well made 42. FP’s sensed an opening and Thomson and Hammed who had been brought back on from the other end were now back in there stride. Thomson then had the wicket of Murrison caught behind by keeper Clelland after a failed sweep attempt and with Inverurie still needing 40 off 10 overs FP’s felt a highway robbery was on the cards.
The new batsmen at the crease were unable to play the skill full bowling of Hameed and Thomson who kept things tight. Mapplebeck replaced Hameed and with Whyte deciding it was now or never it was the latter as he was well caught by Herd at long on for 13, Mapplebeck then ripped through the lower order with his medium pace with catches for Keith removing Stalker for 9 and Mapplebeck bowling Cook for 2.
Inverurie needed 25 off 4 but were unable to capitalise on a good foundation and were eventually left on 138 for 8. FP’s ran home victorious and get their season back up and running but the victory was tinged with an air of sadness as all players were hoping the incident involved George Hadden was not too serious.
FP’s take on Academy next week at home where some old faces will be making their return trips to Rubislaw in what is sure to be a closely contested game.
