Mapplebeck took 3 wickets
FPs started the season with a comfortable 9 wicket win against Stoneywood Dyce on a wet and overcast day at Peoples Park. Harry Mapplebeck claimed 3 for 16, but the wickets were shared around the 6 bowlers used as Stoneywood crumbled to 69 all out. It was never going to be competitive and despite being dropped twice, Fraser Proud struck 32 and Alex Keith 31 not out as FPs eased home between rain showers.
FPs welcomed newcomer Fraser Proud and welcomed back Mahesh Challa after a 3 year absence and lined up Keith, Proud, Swiergon (c), McKinney, Senthil, Morrison (w), Challa, Herd, Mapplebeck, Prash, Thomson. The toss was delayed by rain but when it occurred, Swiergon called correctly and asked Stoneywood to bat at the new start time of 1.20pm.
Proud took the new ball with Prash and in the 3rd over, FPs had a huge slice of luck as Lambley drove back to Proud who’s diving catch attempt failed but deflected the ball into the stumps to unfortunately run out Squire for 2. New man Reid looked in form and he had a let off as Herd put him down off Proud. The score had reached 33 when Lambley fell, LBW to Prash. Reid soon followed in a similar manner, LBW to Proud, perhaps unfortunately for 16.
Wickets continued to fall and it was 44 for 5 as new bowler Herd clean bowled Brophy for 6 and Mapplebeck joined the fun, Jack Lambley edging to Morrison who claimed a simple catch at the wicket. Stoneywood Dyce’s luck was completely out as incredibly another batsman fell backing up, this time Merry run out when Mapplebeck deflected Williams’ drive into the stumps for 10 – 55 for 6.
Herd then atoned for his earlier drop, catching Williams with some difficulty at mid off for 6, Mapplebeck claiming a 2nd victim. That was soon 3 as Palaninathan was comprehensively bowled with a sharp delivery for 3 as Stoneywood Dyce slipped to 59 for 8.
It was soon all over as McKinney came on for one over and clean bowled Hood for a duck and then Thomson came on for an over and clean bowled Rosie for 1, Grant left 6 not out.
Overall it was a good team effort in the field with everyone contributing in tricky conditions, FPs were hugely helped by 2 fortuitous run outs and some very fair umpiring in a game played in a very good spirit. For the record the bowling figures were Proud 6-2-18-1, Prash 5-1-12-1, Herd 5-0-11-1, Mapplebeck 6-0-16-3, McKinney 1-0-2-1 and Thomson 1-0-5-1.
The chase on paper did not present too many concerns but Fraser Proud did his best to make it interesting being dropped twice early on, a routine caught and bowled for Williams and a brilliant effort from Mark Lambley at mid on. After this he settled down and struck 4 fours in his 32 from 42 balls. He looked set for a not out, but having broken his bat, his new bat failed him as he chipped Hood to Jack Lambley at cover.
Keith was in his usual belligerent mood and struck 31 not out from 46 balls with 4 boundaries, skipper Swiergon saw it to the end with 0 not out from 3 balls.
Overall it was a good win for FPs in far from ideal conditions, but both teams took the right approach to to get the game played. It was good for FPs to knock off some of the rustiness ahead of a tough season. Next up is Gordonians who are sure to provide a tough challenge.
8848 Man of the Match
There are no real stand outs as it was an overall strong team showing, but Fraser Proud gets it for some good new ball bowling and his attractive 32.
8848 Champagne Moment
Harry Mapplebeck’s ball to clean bowl Palaninathan
