Scorecard

Match Report

Clackmannan County prepared for this game knowing that it was a crucial first step to their survival in the first division. Fortunately the good weather this week has helped dry up the Arns. The overnight showers early on Saturday morning did affect the pitch to some extent but not enough to threated the game. Both teams starting the game with ten men and Penicuik took first use of the wicket, Clackmannan opened the bowling with Matt Friedlander and Zahid Hussian. Matt slipped while delivering his first ball and decided to bowl off three paces, bringing back memories of 1960's professional Adzil Holder who only bowled off a few paces but could make the ball zip through. Matt bowled tidily and with economy but it was Zahid who took the first wicket. Bowling with pace and lift he coaxed Peter Taylor into lifting the ball into Scott Malcolmsons capable hands at gully. First wicket down with one on the board and nine balls bowled. This heralded the start of a purple patch for the Clackmannan team with wickets falling regularly. By the thirteenth over Penicuik were 51 for 5 and the Clackmannan teams confidence was rising. However, Penicuik fought back, with Pete Kingsbury(44) and Jim Fraser(27) building a partnership of 70 which lasted for 20 overs. Just when the Clackmannan heads were beginning to go down a fine throw from Scott Malcolmson ran out Jim Fraser to break the partnership. The old adage that run outs are like city buses, there are none for a while then they always come in bunches proved true. Pete Kingsbury was next to be run out followed shortly by youngster Martin Lister. From this point the innings quickly ground to a halt. Penicuik all out, 131 for 9.

The "boring old fellows" on the boundary talked with concern about letting Penicuik off the hook and 131 being a good total and possibly difficult to overhaul in these ground conditions. Time would tell.

The Clackmannan innings opened with captain Ash Rasul and Khalid Ali. Khalid replacing normal opener Greg Jones who had damaged his back attempting some gymnastics in the field. In the fourth over, with 16 runs scored, Ash Rasul played a ball on to his stumps, captain out for 7. Khalid however was going well, playing with confidence and ability, the partnership with Gordon Oliver put on 28 before Gordon was deceived by a slower ball by Danny Anderson. As is often the way once a partnership has been established, his partner followed him back to the pavilion next over. Ali had played well for his quickfire 26, and the game chalked up yet another run out. The international connection took over with Matt Friedlander and Greg Jones batting with southern hemisphere flair to heave the total along to 104 before Greg was LBW to Pete Kingsbury. A good controlled innings from Greg despite his back pain. It was also the third wicket that Zahid Hussain had a hand in, in this game. Its good to have the courage of your convictions, even when everyone else knows your wrong. Keep calling them as you see them Zaz, no matter what optician the team think you need to see. The Clackmannan professional remained, providing backbone to the innings, undaunted and riding his luck. Three times he was dropped on the boundary. The Clackmannan players could feel some sympathy with the fielders who missed the catches having been on the wrong end of Matts firepower with the bat at fielding practice. Matt was joined by Neil Ramsay and they confidently steered the County side to victory. 132 for four with 24 overs to spare.

A win, 25 points and a change in the confidence in the side. Still lots to do but hopefully now with the belief it can be done.