Second helpings

Jun 12 2009 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

ALMOND Valley Seconds took part in an entertaining fixture against new opponents from Scottish Hydro Electric.

Upon losing the toss, Valley skipper Dave Hamilton was asked to bat first and the team put together a well paced 134 for 9.

Mike Young top scored with 39 and Duncan Cuthill also contributed with a quick 24.

In reply, the visitors took the game down to the last over, finally being dismissed for 128 with two balls left.

Tommy Hayward hit an aggressive 50 and Steve Bruce claimed 3-33 in what was a very close fought and entertaining fixture.

The following day the first team took on Cupar Angus in the PCA Cup at Doocot Park.

Valley also lost the toss on this occasion and were again asked to bat, which they did so with an attacking attitude from the very first ball.

In a total of 171-6, J Mckenzie and H Le Roux both scored in the 40s with S Rajyaguru also contributing with 35.

Nelson was the pick of the bowlers for the visitors ending with 2-26.

Some fine bowling and fielding saw Valley home for a comfortable victory with Cupar Angus finishing on 80-9.

A McKenzie and H Le Roux took six wickets between them for only 11 runs and special mention should go to J Taylor for an excellent one handed catch at gully for the first wicket.

On Sunday the first team travelled to Meigle to take on the joint league leaders with the match ball sponsored by Perth Sports and Social Club.

After winning the toss, Valley bowled first and dismissed the home team after just 25 overs for a score of 73.

Things could have been different if it werent for some fine fielding to dismiss Laing (29) and the stumping of Evans (7).

John Taylor again put in a fine bowling performance ending with figures of 4-12.

In reply, the visitors knocked off the runs within 18 overs, John Taylor (32*) and Pietie Walters (20*) occupying the crease.

This week sees Kirriemuir visiting Doocot Park to take on a confident Valley side.