FPs produced a near perfect performance as they stormed to a 78 run win and lifted the Bon Accord 2020 cup on a beautiful day at Mannofield. Alex Keith was deservedly man of the match with a swashbuckling 77 in FPs 173 for 4. He was well supported by Agha Haider with 42 and a quickfire 24 not out from Karan Anand. 
FPs then bowled and fielded well with Hasnain Javaid taking 4 for 20 after Anand had knocked over the top order with 3 for 22.
FPs were able to welcome back a number of players who missed Saturday with Alex Keith passing a fitness test, Prash driving back from Liverpool and skipper Agha Haider, Karan Anand and Hasnain Javaid available. FPs lining up Keith, Swiergon, Javaid, Haider (c), Anand, Garwood, Nattrass, Morrison (w), D’Costa, Murray, Prash. FPs won the toss and elected to bat on an excellent wicket. They started at a good pace but Swiergon was bowled off his pads for 9 by Abbasi and next ball Javaid was LBW as FPs slipped to 19 for 2.
It allowed Keith to team up with Haider and they added 121 in 14 overs, scoring all round the wicket in an excellent stand. Keith looked well set for a stunning century but a very brief rain break caused him to lose his momentum and he fell caught and bowled to Ghafoor for an excellent 77 (10×4). Haider continues the aggression with Anand and they quickly added 29, Haider run out off the penultimate ball for 42. Anand blasted the last ball for 4 to finish on 24 not out to leave FPs well in charge at 173 for 4.
Prash and Anand opened the bowling and instantly pushed Abergreen behind the rate. It took till the 4th over for FPs to break through, Morrison claiming a stunning one handed catch diving to his right to dispatch Usman for 6. Morrison and Anand combined again soon after to remove Qadir for 22 either side of Swiergon bouncing out Masmood for 10, Javaid pocketing the catch. Anand had a 3rd as Saboor was plumb LBW for 2 as FPs really put the squeeze on.
Wickets were now tumbling and spinner Javaid produced an inspired spell to wreck the middle order, Morrison claiming a good catch up to the stumps to dispatch Ghafoor for 3. Abbasi and Ul-Nassnan mounted a brief response but Abassi chipped straight to Haider who took a simple catch. Both Haider and Javaid snapped up caught and bowled as FPs closed in.
Swiergon then produced his own fielding magic a pinpoint throw from the boundary finding Ul-Hassnan short of his ground and FPs one wicket away. Javaid promptly finished the job holding back an off break to castle Janjua as FPs claimed the cup.
Following the despair of 2022, 2023 has allowed FPs to enjoy their cricket again and winning the cup was due reward for what has been a team effort all season. There is still much to be done in the league but FPs as it stands have the chance of a league and cup double. It was pleasing to see so many families down to support the team and the support was greatly appreciated by the team.
Man of the Match
The umpires gave it to Alex Keith and there can be no one that could argue with that despite Karan Anand and Agha Haider’s all round efforts and Hasnain Javaid’s excellent bowling.
Champagne Moment
Geoff Morrison’s catch or Rob Sweirgon’s run out would have usually got the nod but lifting the trophy was undoubtedly the champagne moment.
Scorecard
FPs v 2nd Abergreen Cup Final
