George Gill’s battling 83 was not enough for FPs as they slipped to another loss, this time against league leaders Crescent. Having conceded in truth too many, 284 for 6 after Nathan Thagaraj made 118 not out and Rajeevan Sujaya 79, FPs were always up against it despite Gill’s efforts. He was supported by Keith with 34, Swiergon 25 and Nattrass 17, but a lack of sizable support saw the rate climb and FPs run out of steam to finish 35 runs short on 249 for 8.
FPs welcomed back Gill, Anand, Penman and Javaid and lined up Keith, Nattrass, Swiergon (c), Gill, Anand, Penman, Morrison (w), Javaid, Sood, Prash, Knudson. FPs won the toss and bowled but struggled for any penetration as Crescent built a solid foundation. Gill changed ends and did produce a double strike with 2 wickets in 3 balls, Pewekar edging to Morrison for 21 and Honda being snapped up superbly at 2nd slip by Swiergon for 2.
Any hopes of a clatter of wickets were soon dashed as skipper Thangaraj and Sujaya settled in for a long stand as FPs tried various bowling options without success. Knudson did finally breakthrough, a well flighted offbreak clean bowling Sujaya for 79. He rapidly dispatched Sasikumar in a similar manner for a duck and Anand knocked over Khanna caught and bowled for 1.
Gill then thought he had brilliantly run out Thangaraj with a direct hit but the umpire disagreed. Thangaraj went on to complete a fine century and found good support from Toor who made 25 before Nattrass ran him out with a fine throw. Crescent closing out on 284 for 6, Thangaraj walking off unbeaten on 118.
The bowling figures were not great reading for FPs. Gill 8-1-46-2, Prash 7-1-56-0, Anand 8-0-54-1, Knudson 8-2-36-2, Swiergon 4-0-31-0 and Sood 5-0-60-0.
FPs started the chased solidly but just when starting to look good, Nattrass was castled for 17 by Singh, Swiergon and Keith made careful progress, but Keith lost his concentration after a lengthy delay and edged to the keeper for 34. Gill joined skipper Swiergon and they batted with poise and constructed a useful partnership but struggled to up the rate as hoped. Attempting the break the shackles, Swiegon fell to Sasikumar for 25.
Needing 10 an over off the last 15 overs, Anand started well with a six and four but played on for just 14, Toor the bowler. Penman fell quickly looking for quick runs and having made 83, Gill rather lost his fluency and also fell for Toor as fPs hopes ended. Some late wickets and boundaries took FPs ro 249 for 8 but Crescent ran out deserving winners.
FPs next game is at home to Cults and is likely to be just as stiff a test.
Man of the Match
George Gill – 2 wickets and 83 runs
Champagne Moment
Swiergon’s grab at 2nd slip.
