FPs and Knightriders were frustrated by the weather as consistent rain brought play to a halt with the game intriguingly poised. The umpire had no option but to abandon the game as players were slipping and bowlers run ups were no longer fit for play. FPs were defending 151 for 8 which was built on a fluent 61 from debutant George Gill and a gritty 29 from Alex Keith. Fellow debutant Satish then claimed 3 wickets to reduce Knightriders to 25 for 3, before rain arrived a while later to end the game.
FPs resources have been decimated over the winter with 7 1st team regulars moving away from the city or retiring, with one player changing clubs. With a similar loss from the 2nd team squad, FPs lined up with a very different starting eleven and will perhaps be setting different objectives for the season. While regulars Keith, Morrison, Penman, skipper Swiergon, Nattrass and Prash remained, they were joined by new man Gill, Aman Sood who captained 2nds last season, Hasnain, Tom Murray and Satish.
Having lost the toss, FPs were asked to bat and Keith and Morrison made careful progress to 16 before Morrison was well bowled by Peedikayil for 8. He also accounted for Penman bowling him with a good delivery for a duck and FPs were 22 for 3 when skipper Swiergon was LBW to former teammate Mahesh Challa.
Gill joined Keith and they rebuilt the innings adding 49, Keith eventually prised out, bowled by Somu for 29. Gill looked to up to the pace and hit a huge six and some fine boundaries but came unstuck trying to ramp Challa to be bowled for 61. This led to a clatter of late wickets as FPs battled up to 151 for 8, which would have been worth more on a faster outfield.
With rain around, FPs knew they needed wickets and Gill was unlucky straight away, Keith shelling a tough chance. Satish though had more joy, pinning Palaniappan LBW for 3. He then found a good line to left hander Tenneti who played on looking to cut for 4. Satish soon had 3 for 12 as Kache edged his 2nd ball to Morrison at the wicket. Mohan and Yentakusan steadied the visitors and they had reached 47 for 3 when the heavier rain cam and washed the game out.
It proved a useful workout for both sides and the batting of Gill and bowling of Satish offers some hope for the season for FPs. Bowling figures wise, Gill 5 overs 0 for 29, Satish 4 overs 3 for 17 and Sood 1 ball for a solitary run.
Next up for FPs is 2nd Knightriders away.
Scorecard can be found here
