Strathearn cricketers triumph by one wicket

Jul 4 2008 by Our Correspondent, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

STRATHEARN finally got back on the winning trail last weekend but it was by the skin of their teeth as they registered a narrow one-wicket victory over Coupar Angus at Larghan Park.

Bowling first, Strathearn made early inroads into the Coupar top order which was without its two openers.

Three early wickets put the hosts on the back foot and had Scott MacKay not fashioned a knock of 49 in quick time, the hosts would have been shot out for less than the 91 they achieved in just over 30 overs, with Craig Oswald’s 4-25 being the pick of the bowlers.

However, Strathearn fared little better, losing opener McKinnie for another duck and the top order failed to cope with the extravagant bounce offered by the artificial surface

Once David Patton departed for 20 the visitors struggled at 40-5. However, led by Andy Garnett with a steady 24, they got closer to the target despite losing wickets until his departure on 87-9 left a nail biting finale

Mike Nelson’s impressive return of 5 for 16 proved in vain for the hosts.

Sunday’s fixture with Strathmore XI at Doo’cot resulted in a comfortable victory for the home side.

After winning the toss, the hosts made a steady start with 15-year-old Kyle Smith playing a prominent role.

However, his departure for 29 started a collapse, with his being one of five wickets to fall within seven overs.

But a swift knock of 67 by Hill, with great support given by 13-year-old Kyle McKinnon (16) got the hosts up to 174 when the innings closed.

Strathmore never threatened the target and the young Strathy attack picked up wickets with Fraser Mearns 3-15 from his eight overs, whilst Messrs McDonald, Murphie and Smith all collected two apiece as Strathmore were shot out for 79 in the 25th over.

On Tuesday evening, Strathearn progressed to the final of the Perthshire Cricket Association with a hard-earned and narrow win over Almond Valley.

Needing 22 from the final 4 overs, Valley looked favourites but losing top scorer John Taylor for 23 in the 18th over proved crucial as they were finally dismissed for 73 in the final over in near darkness and steady rain.

This weekends fixtures see Strathearn make the long journey north to play fellow challengers Stoneywood Dyce XI (players meet at 10.30am at Cherrybank Inn Car Park).

On Sunday, Strathearn XI are also on their travels with a visit to play Arbroath Utd XI at Lochlands Park.

Players are asked to meet at the Cherrybank Inn for 11.30am.Call Mike Young on 01738 860085 / 07740 638456.

Strathearn Cricket Club is sponsored by The Cherrybank Inn.