County slip up in Coatbridge

May 20 2009 by Donald Morton, Stirling Observer Wednesday

STIRLING County’s SNCL Division One match with Drumpellier on Saturday demonstrated the highs and lows of cricket

On a dismal day in Coatbridge, County let slip a wonderful chance to clock up their second win of the season, losing by 25 runs in a low scoring game.

After a delay for rain, Stirling watched their opponents ease to 81 for one after 28 overs.

But then the home side lost five wickets in four overs to slump to 87 for six and County were back in the driving seat.

A crucial partnership of 17 for the last wicket meant Drumpellier managed to reach 130 all out – a total which delighted the County bowlers for whom skipper Phil Rees and professional Kabir Khan both took three wickets each while Gavin Anderson and young Aussie Pirin Reitze, playing his first SNCl match took two wickets apiece.

In reply, County made a steady start with Gavin Anderson and Jon Taylor adding 39 for the opening wicket before the latter was out.

Kiwi amateur Tim Yeadon and Anderson then added 21 more runs County looked well set for a win. But Anderson’s demise for 37 made it 73 for three – and two overs later it was 75 for five and the writing was on the wall.

Four wickets fell for five runs with the last four batsmen failing to trouble the scorers and County were 105 all out.

On Saturday, Stirling get the chance to get back on the winning trail when they play host to Forfarshire at New Williamfield.

Thanks go to match ball sponsors Derrick Forbes and Bill McWalter.

Drumpellier

Z Mohammad lbw b Khan 34

I Warden c Carswell b Rees 34

A Mohammad lbw b Rees 2

G McLaren c and b Rees 0

S Allison b Khan 3

C Keltie c Khan b Anderson 1

D Stevenson c Bowes b Anderson12

M Anderson c McGhee b Reitze 5

A Rawlinson lbw b Khan 0

A Goodwin not out 17

J Allison c McGhee b Reitze 0

Extras: 21

Total: 130 all out

Bowling: K Khan 7-1-13-3; P Rees 9-3-27-3; P Reitze 2.2-0-18-2; G Anderson 5-0-16-2.

Stirling County

G Anderson b Stevenson 37

J Taylor c McLaren b Z Mohammad 12

T Yeadon b Stevenson 10

J Edwards lbw b McLaren 16

P Rees c Stevenson b Rawlinson 1

I McGhee b Rawlinson 0

K Khan b Stevenson 0

R Carswell run out 0

G Taylor c Stevenson b Warden 0

J Bowes b McLaren 0

P Reitze 0

Extras: 14

Total: 105 all out

BOTH Stirling 2nds and 3rds were victims of Saturday’s rainfall in Stirling.

The former started solidly against RHC 2nds in their East League Division Two match, reaching 66 for two in 20 overs before the showers scuppered the match. Skipper Paul Bielby and Stuart McGann were the not out batsmen.

Stirling 3rds had the upperhand against Musselburgh 2nds in their Division Six match with Kari Anderson taking three for 10 as the visitors slumped to 45 for four before rain stopped play.

On Saturday, the 2nds travel to face Freuchie 2nds while the 3rds have a home game against Morton.

THE annual six-a-side tournament takes place at New Williamfield on Sunday, beginning at noon. There are still vacancies for teams by calling Iain Wheeler on 07771 611967.