The skipper did his bit with bat, ball and a key run out
A determined all round team effort saw FPs reach the semi finals of the Bon Accord Cup on Thursday night but they had to work hard to get there. Having slipped to 41 for 4 in the 6th over, a stand of 89 between skipper Agha Haider (49no) and wicketkeeper Geoff Morrison (31) helped FPs to a useful 133 for 6 in their 20 overs. Mahesh Challa took 2 early wickets but as Grampian got within range, a chaotic 19th over saw Haider and Swiergon combine to run out Aluvathingal for 55 and then Swiergon take 2 in 2 balls as Grampian’s chase was halted, Grampian finishing 6 runs light.
FPs named a familiar line-up with Swiergon replacing Penman who was partying in Barcelona. FPs lost the toss and were put in and took 17 from the 1st over which lasted 11 balls, pinch hitter Haider with 2 boundaries. He fell in the 2nd over for 9 chipping Hussain to Rathnayake and Keith followed soon after for 7 driving Joseph to cover. Swiergon looked in good form but was disastrously run out by a very ambitious Haider call and 3 balls later Nattrass fell for a 3rd ball duck as the FPs innings tanked.
Morrison joined Haider and channeled his inner Chris Clelland in a careful knock while Haider played the bigger shots. Accumulation was the key to the partnership with very few risks being taken as FPs ticked along at 7 an over. It was only in the 20th over, while aiming a big blow at Nadim did Morrison fall, bowled for a useful 31 from 34 (2×4). Challa came and went next ball, edging behind. Murray avoided the hat trick and Haider run a couple at the end to end on 49 from 53 (4×6) as FPs posted a competitive score of 133 for 6.
With the visitors needing less than 7 an over, FPs wanted quick wickets and Challa obliged, 1st Sasidharan was caught and bowled for 7 and 3 balls later Nadim was well caught at long on by Harrower for a duck, 2nd Grampian 8 for 2, It was soon apparent that Aluvathingal was the danger man as he played some majestic shots all around the wicket, timing the ball supebly. He found a useful ally in Joseph who’s unorthodox approach began to frustrate FPs. Javaid was unfortunate to have a stumping turned down but soon after Haider landed a double blow, clean bowling Joseph for 11 and Mahun next ball for a golden duck – 2nd Granpian 69 for 4, needing 65 from 44. They claimed 8 from the 14th over but Swiergon joined the attack in the 15th and landed a blow, Macklin claiming a brilliant catch at short third man, the pink ball swerving ridiculously in front of him.
2nd Grampian reduced the need to 34 from the final 3 overs but a returning Challa delivered a brilliant 18th over costing just 5 and importantly claiming Rathnayake caught behind by Morrison for 12. All of Grampian’s hopes lay with Aluvathingal and he perished as Swiergon’s over ensured FPs were victorious. He decided to risk a 2nd to Haider after a fumble but a good throw to Sweiergon produced the run out in slightly hap hazard fashion, Swiergon raising all three stumps above his head having initially broken the wicket with his hand, the batsmen gone for an excellent 55. 2nd Grampian then scrambled a 3 but Thomson and Joseph both fell ast ball, Challa taking an good catch and Joseph clean bowled. It left Prash 17 to defend in the last over and he conceded 11 as FPs claimed the win.
FPs now await their opponents in the semi final and can enjoy a well deserved week off after 6 wins from 6 so far this season. Next up is a potentially tricky game away to Abergreen.
Man of the Match
Mahesh Challa and Rob Sweiergon’s bowling did FPs proud, but for a composed 49 not out, a run out and 2 for 16, its the skipper Agha Haider who again gets the prize.
Champagne Moment
We considered to giving it to an away player for squaring up to Alex Keith before thinking better of it, both the bowler and the awarder, so Pete Macklin gets it for a great catch and equally joyous celebration.
Scorecard
FPs v 2nd Grampian Scorecard