Methlick cricketers struggle against Banchory
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What should have been an easy stroll for Methlick Cricket Club's 1st XI on Saturday turned into a disaster as, batting first, they produced probably the lowest ever score in their history as they were bowled out for 33 at Lairds, writes Mark Woodhouse.
Things did not start well as Smith was run-out from a quick single called by the speedy Woodhouse who in turn was LBW to one staying low.
Banchory, opening the bowling with an Aberdeenshire squad loanee Daniel Brown, made the most of some poorly chosen shots from the Methlick batsmen.
The usually reliable Acton lobbed a full toss for a simple catch off Brown for 6.
Brown, bowling some pacy inswingers, then cleared up Veersema for a duck with Hordley gifting his wicket to Khalid for 9, which was also Methlick’s top score.
When the middle-order backbone, Grant Cordiner, went for a duck with only 22 on the scoreboard, things were looking decidedly grim for the home team.
A lot rested on the hefty shoulders of Shaz Kallepu. Unfortunately, he followed up last week’s golden duck with another as he was also bowled by Brown.
The advent of some lesser bowling came too late and there was little in the tank to take advantage and Moir, Carr and Low could only add one run between them as Bremenesen was left not out on 4.
With only 33 to defend Methlick’s bowling and fielding was strong. Acton removed Brown and Wison, both for ducks and Hendriksen for 8, and Veersema LBW’d Watt for 10.
However, there were just not enough runs on the board to protect and Banchory clinched victory in over number 12.
The quote from skipper Smith: “A bad day at the office.”
On Sunday Methlick 2nds fared slightly better as they posted 102 all out from 30 overs against Crathie.
In a close finish Crathie reached the required total with only 2 wickets and 4 overs spare.
Opener Rob Fryer with 20 and Graeme Fowlie, at the lower end with 22, were the notable contributors with the bat, and Kallepu avoided a triple golden duck, but Methlick were probably short of another 20 runs.
The bowling honours went to Crutchfield with 2 for 18 and Grant, 2 for 19, followed by 2 for 12 from Kallepu’s 3 overs.
In both games a lack of runs were the contributing causes of defeat.
The 1st XI travel to Huntly expecting improvements this Saturday to hopefully complete a double, and Methlick 2nds are home to Master Blasters from Aberdeen. However, the weather forecast is looking very poor.
