Mapplebeck claimed 4 victims
FPs recorded their 2nd 9 wicket win of the season with a very comfortable win at Rubislaw against Cults. The result was never really in doubt after Mapplebeck (4/30) and Poosappadi (1/10) helped reduce Cults to 37 for 5 and it took some late order hitting to allow Cults to muster 86. It took less than 12 overs to knock the runs off, Morrison falling for 11, but Keith making a composed 39 not out and Steinson 20 not out.
Swiergon had the opportunity to name an unchanged team and he also won the toss again and chose to bowl. FPs were soon well on top as Qasim hit 2 boundaries before being comprehesively bowled by Mapplebeck and Pooappadi cleaned bowled Syed for a duck – his first FPs wicket. Singh made 11 before edging Mapplebeck to a diving Morrison, the umpire correctly raising the finger, Mapplebeck got his 3rd when he bowled Mahajan and it was 5 down when Knudson bowled Gill with a sharp offbreak for 2.
Ali and Watson combined to add 34, Watson plating very carefully and Ali looking to hit boundaries. Ali had been dropped by Steinson before being run out by a fine throw from Mapplebeck for 28. The batsman was happy to go having not grounded his bat, but the square leg umpire was not sure and decided it was not out. Fortunately the neutral umpire was able to step in and over turn the decision as Cults slipped further. Mapplebeck returned and took his 4th clean bowling Meghani for a duck.
Some late resistance lifted Cults to 86, when Thomson entered the attack. His 4th ball had A Ali LBW for 13 and his 5th had A Ali LBW for a golden duck, an innings that took 3 minutes but FPs declined to time him out over his tardy arrival.
Overall, it was not a tough workout for the FP bowlers but they bowled good lines and lengths to restrict their visitors. Once again no outfield catches were taken with Swiergon missing one in the gully early on. Mapplebeck was the pick of the bowlers 10-1-30-4, but was well supported. Poosappadi 3-1-10-1, Knudson 7-2-19-1, Anand 5-1-22-0 and Thomson 0.5-0-0-2.
86 was never going to seriously trouble FPs against a depleted attack and Morrison and Keith set off at a pace scoring 27 off the first 5 overs, both finding the boundary. Morrison looked in better nick but was bowled for 11 aiming a big hit at Qasim. That was really the only highlight for Cults and Keith
Keith kept up his good opening season form
and Swiergon both hit maximums as they easily chased the runs, Keith ending on 39 and Steinson 23.
There are sure to be far tougher tests for FPs and they face a tricky game against Grampian next Saturday before facing St Michaels in the Challenge trophy on Sunday.
Blue Elephant man of the match
Harry Mapplebeck for his 4 wickets and excellent run out.
Champagne moment
Mapplebeck’s pick up and throw to run out Ali, edges Steinson and Keith’s maximums.
Scorecard AGSFPs v Cults
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