FPs eased to a very comfortable 9 wicket win in just over 2 hours against a depleted Mannofield side. Having rolled over their visitors for just 74, Alex Keith struck 49 not out and Eddie Steinson 20 not out in a very one sided contest. With the ball, Connor McKinnie (1/16) struck with his very 1st delivery and he was well supported by Harry Mapplebeck (2/21), Karan Anand (2/12) and John Thomson (2/7).
FPs lined up with a familiar side with the only changes of note being a debut for Prash Poosappadim and Geoff Morrison taking the gloves, Keith, Morrison (w), Steinson, Swiergon (c), Anand, Senthil, McKinney, Mapplebeck, Poosappadim, Thomson and Roland Knudson.
FPs won the toss and were soon in the ascendancy as Connor McKinnie’s 1st ball drew an edge from Alacattage and Morrison claimed the catch. Peter came and went for 4, Morrison claiming a 2nd catch as Mapplebeck claimed his 1st.
Haste and Horne then combined to add over 50, before Mapplebeck knocked out Horne’s off stump for a solid 25. This led to a clatter of wickets as Haste was bowled by Anand for an aggressive 21 and John Thomson nipped in with 2 wickets, clean bowling Chan and Ken. The depleted Mannofield were bowled out soon after for just 74, Anand also hitting the timber. Skipper Cameron left stranded on 10.
Bowling figures for FPs were Mapplebeck 6-0-21-2, McKinney 2-0-16-1, Prash 3-0-15-0, Anand 6-3-12-2 and Thomson 5-3-2-7. Last season’s Grade 1 bowler of the year Knudson not even called on to bowl.
FPs soon set about the run chase and despite Morrison chipping Cameron meekly to cover for a duck, Alex Keith was in no mood to mess about, hitting 4 fours and a six in his 49 not out from 38 balls. He had good support from Steinson who made 20 at a run a ball, including 2 boundaries.
It was a comfortable start for FPs to the season, where everyone was a bit rusty and they will hope to improve as they ease into the season. Overall the fielding was good with only 2 very tough one handed chances missed, both by the unfortunate skipper. Next week FPs face a very tough home game against Cults.
Blue Elephant Man of the Match
Alex Keith gets the nod for his fluent 49 not out.
Champagne moment
Connor McKinnie striking with his 1st ball.
Scorecard AGSFPs v ACE Mannofield