FPs had a disastrous day with the bat as they were shot out for just 38 on a sporting Links wicket to lose to Bon Accord by 109 runs and also relinquish top spot in Grade 1. Having reduced on Accord to 77 for 7, Khan hit an enterprising 54 at number 9 as Bons recovered to post 147 all out. FPs chase started disastrously as they lost Nattrass and Morrison in the 1st over and they never recovered as not one batsman registered double figures. For Bons Awan and Mirza both bowled very well to claim 3 wickets each early on.
FPs were forced into some major changes as opener Keith and star all-rounder Karan Anand were not available. With Mahesh Challa also a late call off, Mike Nattrass, Elia Gubbala and Roland Knudson came into the side. FPs lost the toss and Bon Accord opted to bat on a tricky looking pitch.
FPs were soon on top as Prash had Haider LBW for a duck and Ahmed caught by Proud at mid on from a low full toss. Akhlaq and Awan then combined to boost the score past 50, but Proud clean bowled Awan for a careful 29. He also removed Bashir for 6, a good catch by Guballa. Herd’ offspin accounted for Mirza 0, caught by Morrison in the gully and Gopinathan 0, Leg Before wicket. Prash then returned to have Ahmed LBW for 6 as FPs looked to press home their advantage.
Despite Proud’s best efforts, bowling 9 overs for just 4, FPs could not extract either batsmen until late in the piece when the returning Mapplebeck had Bashir excellently caught by Nattrass at square leg. Mahmood was then snapped up Gubbala as Mapplebeck claimed a 2nd and he clean bowled Khan for a fine 54 to wrap things up.
For FPs the bowling figures were Prash 10 overs 3/27, Mapplebeck 9 overs 3/37, Proud 9 overs 2/4, Herd 9 overs 2/40 6 overs 0/23.
While disappointed to let Bons off the hook, it was still a very chaseable score, but FPs never got started as Nattrass and Morrison both fell for ducks in the opening over and the rest of the innings was a procession, a top score of 7 each for Clelland and Knudson telling the story. It is important to say that Bon Accord bowled very well on a pitch that was never conducive to a great game.
FPs will have to bounce back quickly as on Sunday they face Huntly in the CS Trophy at Rubislaw, it will be a good chance for a broadly unchanged side to make amends for Saturdays horror show.
8848 Man of The Match
Rather tough to award one, but Proud’s bowling was impressive
8848 Champagne Moment
Again tough to locate but Herd taking 2 in an over seemed of note at the time.
