FPs once again threw way a game that should have been won as they allowed Grampian off the hook as they recovered from 113 for 8 to post 151. It would have been many less if FPs had not spilled catches. FPs then struggled to get going in the chase but nearly pulled off a late recovery as Hasnain Javaid smashed 39 with 4 sixes and shared 47 with Geoff Morrison for the 8th wicket to take FPs in sight of victory only to falter in the closing overs.
FPs lost the toss and were asked to bowl. With the game due to start at 1pm, FPs found themselves on the field with no opposition, the game eventually starting just after 5 past. FPs knocked over the opening 3 batsmen all for ducks, Macklin grabbing Khan at 3rd slip after Swiergon at 2nd palmed it his way off Prash, Prash bowling Sasidaran and Harrower having Mahbub easily caught by Penman. The game had a further delay at the start of Swiergon’s spell much to the bowlers displeasure as the standing umpire took a phone call which lasted over a minute in one of the oddest moments of the season.
Grampian recovered to 48 for 3 at drinks but a quick brace from wicketkeeper turned off spinner Morrison quickly reduced Grampian to 62 for 5.
FPs struggled to build on that but did keep picking up wickets, Prash bowling Singal for a useful 34. Haider bowled Gayashan for 2 and Javaid snapped up Joseph reverse scooping Swiergon. Macklin who now had the gloves took an excellent catch standing up to Javaid as FPs appeared to be closing in. Thomas looked to be plumb LBW without scoring but with LBWs usually at a premium, he was able to make an aggressive 28 not out as FPs shot themselves in the foot spilling a number of routine chances. He was well supported by Kannan as Grampian made a useful 151 for 9.
For FPs the bowling figures were Prash 8-4-7-3, Harrower 5-1-13-1, Javaid 7-0-26-1, Swiergon 8-1-34-1, Haider 7-0-32-1 and Morrison 5-0-38-2.
Keith and Penman opened and FPs struggled to make any real progress as the extremely long outfield made Alex Keith’s drives worthless as it was nearly impossible to score unless the aerial route was used. In fact no one shot along the ground in the game reached the boundary, it was only when aerial shots were used did batsmen on either side have success.
Keith was one of 2 run outs with some excellent Grampian fielding doing for him on 16 and D’Costa 10. Penman was bowled by a good delivery by Khan, Haider holed out for 12 and Swiergon edged to the keeper for 14. Macklin was bowled trying to up the rate for just 2, while Lee was unfortunate to be superbly caught off a full blooded pull for a duck. This left FPs 83 for 7 needing 69 from 10 overs. Work colleagues Morrison and Javaid combined in aggressive stand both hitting sixes and catching up the rate and seemingly getting FPs in range. Morrison fell to a poor shot and Prash quickly followed by Javaid carried on well supported by last man Harrower. With FPs needing 8 off the last after a wide Javaid was bowled by Joseph as FPs fell short.
It was a disappointing outcome for FPs but it was a competitive game albeit played on an outfield that made any textbook shots redundant. FPs created plenty chances but failed to take them while Grampian fielded and caught extremely well. Next up for FPs is a very tough game with Fraserburgh.
Man of the Match
Hasnain Javaid for his excellent innings.
Champagne Moment
The umpire on the phone delaying the game a genuine highlight, but Pete Macklin’s excellent catch standing up to the stumps.
Scorecard
2nd Grampian v FPs scorecard
