1s were left frustrated by localised rain at Inverurie as the game could not be completed with the visitors nicely placed. Inverurie had perhaps surprisingly opted to bat on a green deck and were soon in deep trouble as Prash bowled with supreme accuracy taking 4 for 7 in 8 overs, including being hit for 4. Hassaan struck 1st a wide ball being flogged by Norvel to point where Nasseri took a superb one handed catch the home skipper out for a 2nd ball duck.
Watson was bowled by a good Prash ball for 5 and Hadden looking to up the ante was superbly caught by Mapplebeck at mid off on the run. Maxfield was dropped by Haider but Mapplebeck bowled the ball of the day to trim the off stump, Inverurie 26 for 3. Godbole batted with real purpose and top scored with 31, but was bowled by a turning ball by Javaid. Ewen dug in for 33 balls and was a little unlucky to miscue a full toss to Hassaan at short cover, 61 for 6.
Coutts and Murrison showed their experience to keep Grammar at bay, but the returning Prash bowled Coutts for 8 and then he had Murrison LBW for a solid 20. Salman Beddar joined the attack and bowled Wright and Burr for ducks as the home side were all out 86 in 33.5 overs.
Grammar started the chase well, but Keith fell in the 4th over bowled by Godbole for 7. Haider with 13 and Bedaar 6 helped Grammar to 36 for 1 in 7 but unfortunately the players were twice forced from the field due to rain. Despite it easing considerably, it was not deemed dry enough to continue and unfortunately for Grammar a draw had to be agreed. Grammar did rise out of the relegation places as Banchory were heavily beaten by Masterblasters. Grammar were also boosted in that skipper Haider was able to bowl for the 1st time in a year, managing 4 gentle overs, which will be a big help as the season goes on.
Grammar do need to find victories though and next up travel to Crescent.
Man of the Match
Prash – a superb bowling display on a good pitch for bowling.
Champagne Moment
Nasseri and Mapplebeck’s catches were both excellent, but Mapplebeck’s ball to bowl Maxfield would have got out most players.
