FPs were confirmed as Grade 2 champions after the washout at Methlick but had hoped for better in the latest game against Banchory which resulted in a loss by 49 runs. restricting Banchory to 202 for 5 had FPs well placed and at drinks FPs were 79 for 2 but quick wickets thanks to some fine Sam Rotherham bowling meant Banchory ran out comfortable winners.
FPs lined up Keith, Morrison, Penman, Haider (c), Anand, Javaid, Murray, Macklin (w), Youles, Prash, Johnston with Swiergon dropping out late in the day due to illness. Haider won the toss on a wet day and after some rain showers the game was able to proceed. Banchory made solid progress throughout with George standing out with an unbeaten 92, carrying his bat, he played extremely well but was aided by being dropped 5 times, wicketkeeper Macklin now awaiting a dinner invite from the happy batsman.
Agha Haider was the main danger clean bowling Crawley for 20, having Anderson well caught by Prash for 4 and also claiming a brilliant boundary catch to remove Rotherham for 41. Geoff Morrison pinned Shakir LBW for 5 and Prash returned to have Thapa LBW for 22. For FPs the bowling figures were Prash 8-2-17-1, Anand 8-0-50-0, Haider 8-1-32-2, Javaid 8-0-35-1, Morrison 5-0-25-1, Penman 3-0-36-0.
With the bat FPs struggled to ever get going with Keith out for 2 and Penman 5. Morrison and Haider steadied the ship to drinks but both Morrison (41) and Anand (0) drove Rotherham straight to mid off as FPs batting slipped. Javaid and Haider gave FPs hope but once Javaid fell, Murray quickly followed and Haider holed out on the boundary for 36.
Macklin fell for a duck and it left Youles and Prash to add an entertaining 35, Youles with 14 and Prash 20 as FPs were bowled out for 153.
It was a deserved win for Banchory who still have a chance to join FPs in Grade 1. Overall it has been a successful season for FPs winning Grade 2 but to compete in Grade 1 there will be a need for increased availability or a venture into the transfer market.
Man of the Match
Agha Haider – runs, wickets and a great catch
Champagne Moment
The great Agha Haider catch
Scorecard
FPs v Banchory Scorecard
