Anand returned and smashed a ton
Karan Anand’s return to the side was marked by his 8th FPs century as he blasted a quickfire 109 not as FPs made 256 for 4 as Inverdee debuted as a cricketing venue. He cracked 11 sixes and 8 fours as he and Aly MacDonald (27no) shared an unbeaten 127 stand for the 5th wicket. Earlier Alex Keith had looked set for a serene century himself making 73 in good time in a 100 run opening stand with Rob Swiergon (32). Abergreen never threatened crawling to 10 for 2 after 10 overs and eventually being bowled out of the final ball of the innings for 156. Swiergon was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 20, Prash and Morrison both bagging 2 for 20, Harrower, Javaid and an Aly MacDonald run out wrapping things up.
On a new astro that was to play very true, FPs made a number of changes and lined up Keith, Swiergon, Anand, Penman, Morrison, MacDonald, Javaid, Lee, Murray, Harrower, Prash. Prash captained and with limited bowling options, keeping was shared between Morrison and Lee. FPs were put in on the new wicket and as would be expected the outfield was very slow, albeit in time this will change.
Keith was soon into his stride with the 1st of 3 sixes he hit as he dominated a quickfire 50 stand. Swiergon also hooked a six but was happy to play 2nd fiddle. Keith had looked well set for a ton but on the stroke of drinks guided Ghafoor straight to gully for 73 (3×6, 8×4) ending a stand of 110. Sweirgon then followed bowled for 32, having survived 2 chances but looking in good form (1×6, 2×4). Anand had arrived at 3 and was cautious at 1st but lost Penman for a duck as FPs suddenly slid to 115 for 3. Morrison got off the mark with a pull for 6 but was then bowled off his pad for 8 as FPs fell to 129 and Abergreen sensed a chance.
There hopes were short lifted as Anand opened one over with 3 successive 6s as he started to motor. MacDonald was studious at the other end as Anand cut loose. He roared past 50 but got a bit stuck in the 80s before blasting 3 successive 6s in the final over to raised his century. He ended on 109 having absolutely dismissed any poor balls with brutal efficiency. Credit to Aly MacDonald for his support in what was the match winning stand.
Abergreen decided that there was no chance of chasing the runs so settled in for an afternoon of batting practice and if it had not been for 6 wides in the 1st 10 overs the score may not have read 10. FPs claiming 2 wickets, Prash bowling Usman for 1 and Swiergon having Zia caught at leg slip by Javaid for 1.
Harrower picked up a wicket, Keith snaffling the chance at slip while Javaid also picked up a wicket, a useful catch by Harrower. At drinks Abergreen had amassed just over 50 and Morrison swapped his keeping pads for a bowling spell, claiming 2 LBWs in an over, one grubbing through to finally remove opener Aashir for a dogged 39 and the other finding new batsman Memon hacking across the line at a straight ball. FPs continued to pick up wickets as the returning Swiergon claimed 2 more, one caught by Murray and Penman claiming a high catch. Prash then got a 2nd wicket Swiergon snapping up a catch on the boundary. FPs rounded things off from the final over bowled by Penman, MacDonald swooping in for the run out.
The win was FPs 7th in the league this season and it was very comfortable. It was good to play the 1st game at Inverdee and hopefully as things develop and the outfield can get the attention it needs it will be a decent cricketing venue. Abergreen were never trying to chase so it was quite a flat 2nd innings with a couple of chances missed but a good team effort all round. Bowling figures, Prash 8-3-21-2, Swiergon 8-1-20-3, Harrower 8-028-1, Javaid 8-0-38-1, Anand 3-0-18-0, Morrison 4-0-20-2, Penman 1-0-7-0. Next up for FPs is a tough encounter with Methlick.
Man of the Match
A very welcome to the fold and a a textbook Karan Anand ton get him the nod.
Champagne Moment
There were many, many great 6s, but Tom Murray finally getting something to do and claiming his catch having fielded brilliantly was great to see. So far this season he has had his pads on for about 120 overs and been in for one 2 ball red inker!
