FPs kept up their winning streak, defeating Ellon by 7 wickets to reach the final of the Bon Accord Cup. FPs were always in control as Prash struck twice early and then FPs kept the run rate below 6 to restrict Ellon to 118 for 8, Johnny Barrett with a stylish unbeaten 69. Hasnain Javaid bowled a fine spell in the middle overs taking 3 for 18 as FPs kept control, Prash also grabbing 3 for 15. A strong start between Mike Nattrass (37) and George Gill (29) enabled a 59 run opening stand and a quickfire 26 from Karan Anand put FPs on easy street. The final is on the 30th July.
FPs elected to rest Youles and Norwood and Macklin was unavailable. In came Anand, Prash and Lee as FPs lined up Nattrass, Gill, Anand, Haider (c), Swiergon, Morrison (w), D’Costa, Javaid, Murray, Lee, Prash. Haider won the toss and chose to field on a showery afternoon.
Ellon were soon 7 for 2, as Prash bowled both openers. Karan then struck with his 1st ball, having Davies LBW for 5 before rain forced the players off at 34 for 3. Barrett and Proctor added 50 before the recently positioned Gill took a good catch at long on off Javaid. Javaid landed 2 more blows in 2 balls to stall Ellon progress, Wade and Sandham both yorking themselves off while Haider had Greenfield plumb LBW for a duck leaving Ellon on 88 for 6.
Some late blows from Barrett and Ovenstone helped Ellon to 118, Prash bowling Ovenstone with the final delivery.
Needing just under a run a ball, FPs never looked in much danger and Gill and Nattrass looked in good touch in their 50 stand before Gill ran past a loopy off break to be stumped for 37. All FPs needed now was 20 minute of Anand and he obliged smacking a quick 26 with a couple of maximum’s. Nattrass fell with the score on 104 for 37 (3×4) also running past one to be stumped before Anand was the 3rd stumping looking for glory. Haider (18 not out) and Swiergon (5 not out) quickly added the final runs as FPs strolled home with 3 overs to spare.
FPs will play either Abergreen or Huntly in the final but have some key league games to come ahead of this, starting with Portcullis next week.
Man of the Match
Javaid’s middle order spell just edges out Prash’s bowling effort.
Champagne Moment
Swiergon’s 4 to book a final place.
Scorecard
FPs v Ellon Scorecard Cup
