Karan wins an LBW decision
Karan smashed a quickfire 50
Karan Anand delivered an inspired spell of 4 of 20 and hit a typically aggressive 63 not out from just 26 balls as FPs defeated a much under strength Inverurie by 8 wickets, taking just 12 overs to knock off the 126 run target. Alex Keith also made 53 which took him just 28 balls. Inverurie had started well and having been 82 for 2 at drinks, they crubmbled to 125 all out just 12 overs later, Anand taking his 4 wickets for 2 in 12 balls.
FPs were back to close mto full strength and lined up Swiergon (c), Keith, McKinney, Anand, Morrison, Steinson, Senthil, Mapplebeck, Clelland, Prash and Thomson. Inverurie were without many key regulars and opted to bat on winning the toss. It looked a good decision as after the early loss of Coutts bowled by Prash for 1, Johnston and Watson made good progress in a stand of 58, Johnston surviving 2 tough chances to Morrison and Anand before being given LBW to Mapplebeck for 20.
Watson survived a chance at slip off Morrison’s bowling but fell soon after captain Swiergon having him caught at the wicket for a fine 43. In the previous over Karan Anand had bowled Thom with a good ball and quickly ripped throught the middle order having Cook extrememly well caught at cover by the fleet footed Senthil before having Moore and Ruxton LBW with successive balls.
Swiergon had Stalker superbly caught at slip by Anand and in no time at all Inverurie were on 95 with 1 wicket standing. Some positive strokeplay from Norval (31) boosted the score to 125 when Swiergon claimed a good catch at cover off the returning Mapplebeck.
It was a good showing from the bowlers who finished up as follows, Mapplebeck 5.5-0-20-2, Prash 8-1-25-1, Thomson 7-0-32-0, Anand 10-2-20-4, Morrison 1-0-10-0 and Swiergon 3-0-12-2.
With Morrison having sustaimed an injury, Swiergon opened with Keith but fell for just 6 skieing to Norval at mid on off Jessiman. When McKinney came and went 1st ball LBW to Cook, FPs were potentially in trouble at 31 for 2 in 6 overs, however Keith and Anand soon allayed any concerns. They put on an unbroken 95 in 6 overs in some serious hitting as Moore’s 2 overs went for 34 and Thom’s 2 overs were dispatched for 24. Keith hit 7 fours and 2 sixes in his 53 while Anand hit 11 fours and 2 sixes in his 63.
Karan raises his bat
The game was played in an excellent spirit with both teams umpiring fairly and giving LBWs as well as batsmen walking foNext week FPs face Inverurie again in the Aberdeenshire Cup Final at Mannofield which will be a completely different affair as Inverurie will have all their missing players back and not much should be read into Saturday’s game. When both teams met at full strength, Inverurie won, so it sure to be a close affair. Before this showpiece, FPs have a very tough game against Crescent at Rubislaw, an FPs win may be enough to see them finish 2nd.
Man of the Match
Karan Anand for his all round display
Champagne Moment
Karan’s off cutter that bowled Thom, was pretty much unplayable.
Additional Photos https://www.flickr.com/photos/gillesgardner/sets/72157672453926538/
