FPs Win Top of the Table Clash

A clinical performance saw FPs defeat 2nd place Bon Accord and extend their lead at the top of Grade 1 after a gripping game at Rubislaw. Bon Accord always looked a bit light having made 183 for 9 but having slipped to 24 for 2, the game was in the balance. Step forward Rob Swiergon who hit 57 from 56 and Hamish Penman who stroked a classy 52 not out. Penman was well supported by Fraser Proud who made an aggressive 39 not out from 29 to ensure there was no panic as FPs won with 5 overs to spare. FPs fielded well, Conner McKinney taking the catch of any season to remove Mirza for 53 while Prash claimed 4 for 26 and Roland Knudson 3 for 24.

FPs were without Harry Mapplebeck but Karan Anand returned to bolster the FP ranks. Swiergon won the toss and chose to field backing his side to chase most scores on the rubislaw wicket. It started well for FPs as a Morrison drop was not punished as next ball Prash took a brilliant low caught and bowled to send Ahmed packing for a duck. Awan was looking in good touch, in making 23 untroubled but fell in the 10th over, miscuing a high catch to mid-off where Proud made no mistake, Prash taking his 2nd wicket.

FPs were keeping things tight but it was an uncharacteristic high full toss from Knudson that brought the 3rd wicket, Challa making excellent ground on the fence to claim Khan for 19. Knudson’s less good balls were the killers as a full toss which became a yorker castled Addla for 17 as Bons slipped to 72 for 4. Knudson had a couple of close calls for LBW but won a decision in his 7th over, Sood out LBW for 5, and Bons now struggling at 92 for 5.

The game now potentially rested on the key wicket of Mirza and he and Aziz were to bat well together adding 62 as the game became tenser. Anand had been bowling well but had not managed to break through in his 1st spell. He returned to break the partnership though, an off-cutter beating Aziz and hitting his leg stump, the batsman out for 15. Mirza was really now key and Proud spilled a tough boundary chance as Mirzas 50 came up. He then launched Anand miles into the sky and Conner McKinney raced back from cover at full pelt and took a stunning diving catch at full stretch over his shoulder, 161 for 6.

The returning Prash then grabbed 2 late ones, Anand calmly taking a boundary catch at long-on before Gopinthan was bowled by the final ball of the innings.

FPs were very happy with their work knowing 183 was below par but they also knew the strength of Bon Accord’s bowling.  Morrison and Keith started well, Morrison cracking 2 straight fours and Keith straight driving for 4 also, but FPs were soon in a bit of bother. Morrison toe ended Malik to Addla at cover for 9 and Keith played on for 13 to Ahmed, 24 for 2 in 10 overs. However, any concerns would soon evaporate as skipper Swiergon tore into the bowling as he and Penman added 81 in the next 15 overs. Penman playing with great care and correctness as Swiergon regularly found the boundary scoring all round the wicket. He had hit 9 fours in his 50 and it was quite a surprise when he fell, a miscued long hop going straight to Ali at square leg. The skipper out for 57 from 56 balls.

The in-form Proud replaced him and he wasted no time in getting up to speed playing with great style as FPs closed in. Penman also joined the party, hitting 3 fours in an over as he made good progress towards 50. Bon Accord tried 8 bowlers but could not find a way through. With 4 needed Penman was on 48, and he raised a well deserved 50 with the winning runs driven for 4.

To win with time to spare was very good by FPs and certainly gives an advantage in the title race but there is no room for slip-ups in the final 5 weeks of the season. One loss could easily let Bon Accord back in, it is sure to be an interesting finish to the season

Man of the Match

There are many contenders, Prash and Roland Knudson for their bowling and Swiergon, Proud, and Penman for their batting. Penman gets the nod for a fine 50 played with the minimum of fuss but lots of control.

Champagne Moment

Conner McKinney’s catch – absolutely ridiculous.