A reversal of fortunes for Methlick's cricketers
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There was a big reversal of fortunes for Methlick's cricketers on Saturday writes Mark Woodhouse.
The first team travelled to Rubislaw for an expected victory against 2nd Abergreen, languishing at the foot of Grade 2, and MCC 2nds took on
Stonehaven at Lairds expecting a struggle to avoid defeat.
The firsts had problems finishing off their encounter with the bat and fell 15 runs short for their first loss of the season.
At Lairds meanwhile, after Stonehaven had posted a very challenging 142 from their innings, the seconds recorded their second successive victory to take them into the top half of Grade 3, thanks to an impressive 43 from Daniel Reeve.
The day started well at Rubislaw as the Methlick bowlers soon struck and thanks to the usual tight bowling from Duffy and Veersema the home side were reduced to 49 for 4 after 21 overs.
Addison and Hordley continued in the same vein until the middle order of Sabtain and Hassan took some control, and with a combination of important dropped catches and quick singles, Abergreen managed to find their way to a score of 153; maybe 25 above where they should have been.
Alasdair Smith went quickly as Methlick started their response but Acton and Hordley in particular looked to be mastering the bowling and an expected victory looked easily on the cards, despite losing the powerful Acton bowled for 23.
Shahid Choudhry called upon his experience to back up Hordley and the Englishman soon reached his 50.
Almost immediately having done so, with a lack of concentration after reaching his milestone, he was bowled by Sikander for 51.
Nevertheless, till only 24 needed with 4 wickets left and Choudhary still looking good until he followed Hordley being out LBW for 17.
Then a dismal surrender of wickets from the remaining batsmen who could only add 8 runs between them as Methlick were all out for 138.
Meanwhile the attention had moved to Lairds.
Moir went for 1 but Fryer, captain Butch Crutch and Dod Duncan all supported Reeves innings and then Deni “cow corner” Serafimoski lustily saw Methlick home with 17 not out as the men from Lairds waltzed home with over 2 overs to spare to make them 2 from 4 and a much healthier season to look forward to.
This weekend will have local rivals, Fraserburgh, visiting Methlick and a full-house is expected as the second team have no fixture.
Thanks go to Phil Cox for donating Saturday’s match ball.
